On Tuesday morning I woke up with a horrible cold. My chest hurt and my nose was running, and I knew that I would not be of much use to anyone. So, I decided to head home to Sandy Point where I could curl up, away from the world and nurse myself back to health. Tuesday was not a fun day, Wednesday I was feeling a little better and when I woke this morning I knew that I had turned a corner. Still not 100% but on my way.
When I came downstairs, I discovered that the weather had changed overnight. The wind was in from the north. Water that was as smooth as glass the night before was now choppy and angry. A mixture of rain and snow was falling and there was a chill that cut to the bone. I looked outside and thought
“the best refuge from this is the warmth and comfort of a raging fire”.
Since I do not have a woodstove in the house this meant that I would have to walk across the yard to the cabin and light one there. Which is exactly what I did. The cabin was cold and damp but soon the warmth of the fire began to take over the space. Slowly it changed into a cocoon of comfort and safety. Coffee in hand, nestled in my chair, I could hear the wind whistling but a sense of peace descended, and a calm filled my soul.
Calming the Storm
With the scene of the raging water before me I was reminded of the story of Jesus calming the storm. Jesus and the disciples were out on the water when a storm came up, seemingly out of nowhere. The boat was tossed on the waves and the disciples were sure that they would capsize at any moment. In their fear they cried out to Jesus for help. Jesus rose from his sleep and said
“Peace, be still!”
The story is told that the winds obeyed his command and peace descended upon the ship and its crew.
Our Moment of Respite
Life is filled with mountains and valleys, calm waters and raging seas. Sometimes we are overwhelmed, fear overcomes us and we feel like we are drowning. I believe that this is where Jesus comes in. Like the fire in my cabin, the presence of Jesus, faith in something greater than ourselves, is able to enfold us in peace. It becomes our moment of respite. While the winds may still be raging and the uncertainty is still real, Jesus gives us strength and courage. Our spirits are renewed, and we are empowered to move forward, safe and secure in the knowledge that we are not alone.
May it be so for you.
Blessings
Valerie