We had been promised rain – for weeks. It hadn’t come. Lawns are brown and crispy. Flowers are limp and lifeless. The lake level is dropping drastically.

Saturday morning dawned sunny and bright. The temperature was hot. The atmosphere was humid. No rain last night. However, as I looked across the lake, I could see dramatic storm clouds over the Adirondacks. I could hear the thunder’s low roll. I could see the darkening sky. I knew what that meant. The storm was coming.

Watching a thunderstorm roll in across the lake is quite an event. The sky turns from bright and clear to dark and ominous. The temperature drops by about 20 degrees. The wind increases its velocity. White caps appear in the water and boats race for shelter. You can watch the storm clouds and accompanying rain move majestically across the bay. The clouds are dark gray; the rain appears as a solid curtain of white.

It’s a big bay. This storm allowed me plenty of time to prepare for the onslaught and to appreciate the power and majesty of the Creator’s work. I am in awe of thunderstorms and the ferocity of the wind. Only a Power much, much greater than mere man could design and produce such an event.

Storms contribute to my relationship with God as another element in my wonder list. For me, there is no small storm, no insignificant rainfall, no meaningless wind, no routine sunny day. The weather that occurs each day is another cause for wonder and gratitude for me. I cannot and will not take them for granted.

The storm did, indeed, make its way across the lake and bay, bringing with it some needed, but not enough rain to the Champlain Valley. It was not a violent disruptive storm, but one of gentle rain and moderate wind. I am still waiting for the deluge.

While I wait, I remind myself that although I am not privy to the why’s of the weather, it does not matter. The only thing that matters is that I am loved by my Creator. Just as you are loved – unconditionally.

Terri