Image credit: Pixabay.com (2016), CC0/PD[/caption]
Before sunrise, the intense heat and humidity of the past few days was broken by the cooling air that preceded a storm.
Gathering myself into the morning, while waiting for the coffee to brew, I opened all the windows. When I lifted the sash in the oratory, the breeze drew the sheers delicately against the screens and then, just as softly, floated them back and up into the room.
I breathed deeply the fresh unconditioned air.
The rain started with a drizzle. The thunder rumbled long and distant, then near, then rolled past and away.
I didn’t know what to expect of the storm. The wind was picking up, making the tree limbs sway, and the thunder had become more frequent. I looked at the southwest sky, saw it was evenly gray and lacked the blackish-green mottling of danger. The birds continued their morning songs — a good indication of a regular rain — and so I was unconcerned as I sat down and picked up the breviary.
With windows opened wide the breeze moved easily through the upstairs hermitage. I listened to the raindrops plink on the aluminum windowsills; it steadily grew into a persistent thrumming.
It was a needed darkness, a good storm, a refreshing rain. Sipping my coffee I prayed:
Dear Lord, I thank you for the storms that move through life. Though there is darkness, there is assurance of its passing. You send the rain to cleanse, the thunder to make us attentive, and the wind to remind us that all things move according to your plan. Although I do not like the darkness, I know your storms draw me down and away from the often consuming blaze of this world. And for every storm that moves across my heart, I will embrace it as a time to patiently wait for your return. I pray to be strong enough to hold fast when storms become intense. And if I grow weary, to know I am not alone and to call out to angels, saints, and friends to shore me up. I praise you Lord for dark nights and stormy days that deepen my desire for you. Amen.
Copyright 2019 Margaret Rose Realy, Obl. OSB
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