Gratitude ~ Thunderstorms

Greetings Dear Reader,

Just a week ago we were talking about cold and snow.  The last two nights have produced some beautiful thunderstorms.  I do not know if you share my thoughts on this but I am very grateful for thunderstorms.

They bring back memories of summers at the beach, seeing St. Elmo’s Fire in the rigging of a tall ship, and a terrified experience with ball lightning.  It brings a heightened awareness that I thoroughly enjoy.  I realize that for some people this is a fearsome thing and I respect that. 

I have heard the roll of thunder through mountains.  I have heard it echo and imagined dwarves playing nine pins.  I have seen a tree shattered by lightning.  I have taken cover in a park shelter whilst a storm raged around me.  I have seen a triple rainbow against a backdrop of starkly black and white clouds. 

The raw power of thunderstorms speaks to me of the immense potential power in the universe.  I see in it the power of my Creator and his fierce beauty.  As the storms passed through over the last two nights I chose to be thankful for them.  We need the rain and the storms confirm the arrival of warmer weather.

I do not seek God in the storm. It is evident that he is there.  I do acknowledge his power and creativity in giving us such an amazing light show.  I am grateful for the rain, the lighting, and the thunder.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

Lightning Bugs

Greetings Dear Reader,

If you have not yet read Sheetrock on the Road then you do not know of my love for fireflies.   I will refer you there to the chapter “The Rising Lights” for understanding.  Last evening transported me back to that time in a most endearing way.

The night felt like the summers I endured as a child and through much of my adult life. It was hot and humid.  The thunderstorms of the previous evening had left everything damp and lush.  The grass on the ball field held the shimmer of humid air refusing to accept it evaporated offerings.  Ground balls cast out a rainbow in the setting sunlight as they sped along the damp carpet of turf.

The storms had also gifted us with an impromptu doubleheader.  My local team won the first one and lost the second.  Once again my Grandsons sang to the crowd during the seventh inning stretch.  The moisture and heat clung to me soaking my clothing and slowing my movements.

The second game ended and the lights were silenced as the crowd prepared for post-game fireworks.  The man made lights began to rise with more smoke than usual due to the soaked air. 

As I watched the fireworks a single firefly flashed just a few feet in front of me.  It was rising in the night to seek companionship.  It occurred to me that the firefly competes for others of its kind for attention.  How must it feel it chances are among the flashes and flares of the fireworks? 

I could imagine it seeing the bright green flares that almost matched it hue.  I found it humorous that this small insect seeking a mate would be thwarted by manmade similitude.  It also reminded me of something far more important.

I too often compare myself to things that are not a just comparison.  I diminish my own opportunity by failing to see that I am created as I am meant to be.  Who I am is a result of either following or failing to follow Christ.   We are meant to shine in the darkness.  We are commanded to do so even if no one responds.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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