Favor in the storm

I stepped into yet another storm. While God has been great to me, this new phase is full of challenges from all places, including work, relationships, and ailing family members.

I’ve discovered that it’s easy to be caught up in the storm’s roar and wind, to stare at the dismal sky, and to be afraid of the birds flying around your head. You don’t know where to go, what to do next, or how to fix the situation because it isn’t always in your control.

When I reflect on my life, I see that the most wonderful blessings came from circumstances where I was unsure of the future and frightened of how things would turn out and what shape my life would take. It happened for my most important milestones and the most amazing gifts I’ve yet to thank God for.

In those moments, it is easy to cry and feel powerless. Sometimes you want to feel sorry for yourself and turn to negative situations since they mirror your feelings and may make it easier to deal with. I’ve found that no matter how black the storm is, God never lets you fall to the bottom; by His grace, He always catches you and places you next to others who need you just as much as you do.

And if you are overwhelmed and want to do too much while putting yourself second, you will not be able to grow as wonderfully and be an example to those around you. God infused you with grace and bestowed upon you gifts and potential that only you can bring to the world.

Learn to give yourself the energy you require first, and then serve others. This does not necessarily come from a material source; I discovered that talking to Jesus and going to prayer is the best thing you can do for yourself in times of hardship. He has a wonderful, gentle way of reminding you that everything will be OK in the end and that you should focus on Him rather than the storm. He’s our best friend and advisor, particularly during storms.

If things are getting too much for you and you can’t find tranquility, take a moment to smell the sunflowers. Notice their wonderful forms and bulbs, how they sit together, how they move during the growing process, and how, to bloom, they must rise and look for their creator in the sky.

And remember that you are never alone. There are people and holy spirits behind you, driving you on and advising you of your future steps. And if you’re not sure about that, remember that special people are waiting for you ahead, bouncing about in tears of joy, eager for you to reach the safe spot and share this life with them.