Storms

I love a good storm. I love it when the sky is dark and the heavens pour out. I love the thunder and lightening that comes with it! I love the SMELL of the rain; the anticipation of a good storm, and the dew that's left after wards. To me, there is nothing better than a good rain storm in the fall. That's the best.

In the midst of a storm, I love to cuddle up with a good book and hot coco and sit by an open window, listening to the downpour. Or, cuddle up with a child and read a book, and talk about the rain.

Today, we've started another type of storm. As I sat with my niece in a waiting room, coloring, she explained her page to me. It was of a mermaid. Simple. But this mermaid was sitting under a dark sky of dark clouds. I asked her why the dark clouds, and she said it was because Jesus was crying. I told her that I loved a good storm, it made me feel good.

As the day wore on, we cuddled, we talked, we shared. She asked me at one point why did I have tears. I explained to her that it makes me sad when she is sad. She hugged me and we went on.

She's going to be gone for a while, and I will miss her. She's allowed one phone call each night. She mentioned to someone earlier that she'd like to call her momma. I'll admit I struggle with that, but at the same time, I'm ok with it. A bit ago the phone rang; it was her. She needed me. She missed me. She wants to know when can she come home. To me. And the storm started.

And then the phone rang again. Only this time, it was her momma, asking if I had received the call…because she hadn't. And her storm started. It's not about me, is it?

Earlier today, I was so angry, I wanted to scream. It's not fair, I wanted to cry out. Why? I asked. Why?

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord.

And He knows the plans He has for the rest of them. And if it takes a storm, then it takes a storm.

So, Bring the Rain, Lord, Bring the Rain.

"Bring me joy, bring me peace

Bring the chance to be free

Bring me anything that brings

You glory

And I know there'll be days

When this life brings me pain

But if that's what it takes to praise You

Jesus, bring the rain"