Faith Stories: The Calm Before Sandy

I have been in a funk since we returned from our trip. Perhaps it's because too much vacation can do that to you. Make you so relaxed, that you loose focus. Perhaps it's because of the aftermath, the hurricane storm that missed us. I cannot imagine living on the east coast right now, prayers go to all those affected by Sandy.

A few days ago, we went to visit a college that our son was considering in Daytona Beach, Florida. Looking at schools is such a daunting task. Futures are so uncertain. How can you find the way in life? Adults even struggle, how can we possibly help our children find the way? Are we all not children of God? Why do we waver?

Have you ever been to Daytona? This was my first visit. But, It wasn't what I was expecting somehow.

I expected masses of people, crowds, disorder, dirt and chaos. But, it wasn't.

I expected cold, dreary weather, but it was sunny and beautiful.

I expected our way to be blocked, but our path was made clear.

I expected dirty saloons and tattoo parlors. But we found beautifully renovated shops and cafes.

I expected confusion, but we found order.

Beside the sea of our lives, we found another path. One that we didn't know about before. God hadn't shown it to us yet.

It's hard for us parents not to know our children's future. I imagine it's even harder for the children. But then, God opens doors to new places that you never knew existed. God shows you the path. Somehow you just know it's now going to be called home. It's THE WAY.

Then, there is the calm before the storm. We saw beautiful beaches. Not crowded, or chaotic, just calm. Beautiful peace given by God to show us THE WAY. Are you in the calm, or the storm?

The next thing you know, there is a storm brewing on the horizon. You knew it would come eventually. You were foolish to think it wouldn't be coming.

It comes from within us. We bring on the Storm with our lack of trust, lack of faith, and fears. THE WAY then becomes unclear. We stop listening to what God is telling us. We stop trusting, and fear takes over.

It's hard to stand firm in turbulent waters when you can't even see your feet, and the horizon looks so bleak.

We have to trust. He will lead us the way we should go. We know that when He allows the water to recede  we will be able to see our path again. God will make our way clear to us, if we let Him. 

There will be signs, we just have to read them.

There will be times of peace. There will be times of turmoil. But through it all..............

He will be right there with us, showing us THE WAY.

At least, until He decides to bring the next storm.

Designer Mom