I took a walk through a thunderstorm two nights ago. I'd had a long day and suddenly I felt like I couldn't cope with the challenges in front of me. I needed a time out, the house needed milk, so I took a walk...
As I trudged the back route into town heading for the mecca of Tesco Express the trees were green, the wind was gentle and and the humid surroundings were mocking my stormy mind. I was struggling to think clearly and praying in that frantic disjointed way you do when you're not sure how to 'give it to God' but you're having a good go anyway.
As I got to Tesco and made my purchase the first thick blotches of rain hit the pavement outside. As I walked back towards the Palent carpark the sky screamed with lightning and bellowed it's Thunder. Almost on cue brown leaves previously unnoticed made angry spirals to the ground as it seemed like the seasons were quite literally changing before my eyes.
In this mini squall I stood for a moment amazed. The turmoil in my head had moved out into the world around me and was whipping an electrical strom through Chi. I love the power, danger and beauty of a storm. It took me out of my own own concerns and reminded me that there's a much more powerful God who has everything in hand. Even though change can seem sudden and painful, if you take a step back there's beauty in the storm...
P.S. Speaking of change I was at the wonderful Phil Baldwin's wedding to the gorgeous Ellen Armstong on Saturday. Stephen, Michaela, Troy and I spead up to London to lead worship, eat great food, bet on the speaches and coo over the Carter twins. It was such a priviledge to be there to celebrate, congratulations guys, I hope you're having a great holiday.... XC