Storms are multi-sensory experiences, at least that is the case here in the flatlands. You can feel, smell, hear, and see them coming. When a big storm is brewing, the air begins to feel heavy and humid. Any exposed skin starts to feel moist and clammy, much like the hands of a nervous kid on a first date. There is a very distinct musty and earthy smell associated with storms. Scientists actually call this smell petrichor. This smell is caused by the water in the air, combined with compounds like ozone, geosmin, and various plant oils. You can hear thunder rolling, warning you of what’s coming. And, if you look to the horizon, you can see the clouds in their ominous greys and greens, billowing high into the sky, while simultaneously sending the starts of tornadoes down towards the earth. Watching a storm develop and dance on the horizon can be both awe-inspiring and anxiety-inducing.
One of my greatest fears as a child was that a massive storm was going to come and either flatten my house or carry it away to some far-flung corner of the county. Any sign of a storm could send me into a state of panic. My stomach and head would begin to hurt. My mind would begin to race through all of the potential scenarios and whether or not we were properly prepared to face them. My whole body would tense up in a flight or fight response. It was miserable; It was also unnecessary and unhelpful.
All storms ultimately pass and often without causing any lasting problems.
In all of the storms I experienced, not one of them destroyed or carried my house away. More often than not, the storms never developed into significant threats. Sure, they brought some rain and made some noise, but they weren’t worth the worry and anxious attention they were given. Storms are just a natural part of life. All storms ultimately pass and often without causing any lasting problems.
Worry about what might be is, more often than not, an exercise in futility. In the gospels of Matthew and Luke, we find words from Jesus telling us as much. Jesus tells His disciples not to worry because worry is utterly ineffective; worry does nothing to positively impact anything. Further, we have reason to have faith, come what may, because God loves us and knows what we need in any and all situations. This is true when storm clouds of a literal or figurative nature are gathering in the distance.
Don’t allow storm clouds in the distance determine the quality of your experience today.
Our feelings of anticipation and anxiety are very real, but they are not generally helpful. They may portend what is coming, but more often than not they are messes of our own making. While worry doesn’t have the ability to make a positive impact on our lives, it can have an adverse effect. By worrying about storms that might come, we stir up a storm of our own making within our hearts and minds. Our anxiety about potential storms in life such as relational problems, financial or employment struggles, or issues of another kind does nothing to prevent them from coming and often creates unhelpful consternation and concern.
Don’t allow storm clouds in the distance determine the quality of your experience today. As Jesus told His disciples, each day has enough trouble of its own. But, each day also presents opportunities for joy, peace, hope, love, and a treasure trove of other good gifts from God. May we not be so fixated on the storm that might be that we miss the beautiful experience of what actually is.
