How Do You Weather?

I took a deep breath and sunk my toes into the sand. Beside me my husband sat with long legs outstretched, one toe tapping to the tunes in his earphones. I closed my eyes and listened to the crashing waves. Knowing my children were happy back at the pool with their grandparents, I let the tension roll down my shoulders and onto the sand where it waited for the wind to carry it away.

Soon, the roar of the waves had to compete with the howl of the wind as the first drops of rain splashed on the tops of my feet. “Alan,” I tapped my husband, “I think it’s going to storm.” Together we pulled our beach gear under the canopy where we sat and watched as the rain sent other sun-lovers scattering. We didn’t have to wait long before the rain poured down. At first, I only felt the occasional splatter from the sand. But after a few minutes, the wind was sending the rain under our canopy in sheets.

Alan and I tried pulling down the side flap, but the wind was too strong. We were forced to strap it up out of the way. Instead, we shortened the legs of the tent; therefore, bringing the roof a little closer to our heads. We moved our chairs as close to the center as possible and waited. We knew if we could make it through the storm, we could relocate our shady oasis to any spot we desired. Everyone else would be gone.

There are three types of people when it comes to downpours.

First, there are the Towels. These are the people stretched out on the beach with no thought of anything but the glorious sun. The Towels are those who dash away at the first sign of rain. They aren’t prepared, and they know it. They don’t wish to get wet or be in any uncomfortable situation. Unfortunately, they don’t stick around long enough to ever witness a rainbow.

Next, there are the Umbrellas. The Umbrellas have brought a little protection, but usually not enough. They don’t run at the first rumble of thunder and aren’t scared to get a little wet. But when the shower turns to a downpour, they know they honestly can’t withstand the thorough soaking and usually, albeit reluctantly, retreat.

Last, we find the Canopies. The canopies have come prepared. They often have ice chests of cold drinks, extra towels, and lots of sunscreen. The Canopies took longer to set up, but after staking their poles in the sand, are there for the duration. When the winds and the rain come, the canopies are covered. To the casual observer, the Canopy might even appear to enjoy the storm. But in actuality, the Canopies are focusing on something others have quickly forgotten – the storm will come to an end, and the beauty on the other side will be breathtaking.

How do you weather?

The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7:25 NIV

Lord, may we all be Canopies in You. I pray we each stake ourselves on Your Solid Rock and cover ourselves with your truth. Help us each to remember storms will certainly come, and we may even get wet – sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. But, give us the knowledge that all storms will end. And when they do, blessings will follow. Amen.