The Calm After the Storm

I really don't like storms.  I can enjoy a good thunderstorm, but once it becomes severe, I'm not digging it.  Last night had its moments.  I knew there was a chance of severe storms.  I was even keeping an eye on the TV for updates.  I could see that there was a severe thunderstorm warning to our South.  However, the local weatherman didn't seem too focused on that storm.  There were tornado warnings taking precedence over our storm.  Then the thunder and lightning really increased.  I decided it would be best to just unplug our TV.  It's fairly new, after all.  The boys and I decided to sit on my bed and listen to the radio.  That's when we heard the hail starting.  At first, it was tiny, like little pieces of styrofoam.  The next thing we knew, it was marble size.  Still not worrying me too bad, but I had the closet all prepped to take cover if necessary.  Suddenly, it became so loud we could hardly hear each other talking.  The boys jumped in the closet, and I took a quick look out the back door.  We had hail the size of golf balls or bigger.  It was insane.  It sounded like our roof was going to cave in.  It only lasted a few minutes.  Then, as if a switch had been flipped, it stopped.  This was when I really got worried.  I've always heard there's a calm right before a tornado hits.  As the silence wore on, I realized it was over.  We had been spared any damage or trauma.  I reached for my phone to look at the radar, only to find we were under a tornado warning.  Doppler radar had detected a tornado right in the area where we live.  YIKES!  Boy am I glad I didn't know this while the storm was pounding us?! 

It's little experiences like this that make me stop and thank God for all I have.  I try to do this anyway, but I feel just a little more appreciative after safe passage through a stressful time like that.  As it happens, we ended up taking refuge with some friends for the remainder of the night.  I knew I wouldn't sleep, worrying about the chance of more storms.  So, we nestled into their safe basement and slept the night away.  Thank you Lord for great friends. 

There's a gospel song I love called "Master of the Wind."  I am so glad I know the Master of the wind and the Maker of the rain.  Regardless of what may come my way, I am safe in His arms.  Are you?  I hope you are.