I woke up this morning thinking of the last major rainstorm in Dubai. While it was several months ago, the vivid memories of flooded highways, crazy drivers, and unknowns were on my mind as I started a new day. My reflection morphed into Life whispers as I considered the fading evening sky after the storm had passed.
Knowing there is, or was, a storm does not mean one is or was prepared. When one experiences the storm itself, one understands the intensity, danger, and unknowns that come with it. Even with this knowledge and understanding, one should never presume one is prepared. The lesson reminder extends to every part of one’s life; “Our involvement with God’s revelation doesn’t put us right with God. What it does is force us to face our complicity in everyone else’s sin.” (Romans 3.20)
Knowing one has survived the storm does not mean one is prepared for the next one. While one’s memories may give one motivation and reason, a decision to act is required before beginning the journey of dealing with the realities of a storm. One might assume experience and insight would equal preparation. Life has an interesting way of reminding one that this is never true. Preparation is more than just knowing. Doing is a critical element of being ready.
Storms can be ugly, dirty, and messy. The Dubai storm took days to clean up. There were lingering pieces of evidence for weeks. The realities and uncertainties of life can be ugly, dirty, and messy. The question always comes back to a simple one at the moment; now is the time for? There is freedom in our lives to answer the questions. The choices we make initially may need to be refined and remade. Discipline and courage are often required. Enduring and persevering are often essential to a successful outcome.
What we see and know can help as we face the future. With compassion, empathy, and courage, I can respond to the reality of a storm with awareness, knowledge, and a willingness to be a force for good.
