Between Storms

BETWEEN STORMS

There goes another storm...

heard when thunder roams

across the hills

then raindrops spill.

Passing through

the air cools

then humidity rises

when the sun surprises.

What does the sun bring with it today?

A burst of spring flowers in a bouquet.

Pinks and purples and whites

always bring much delight.

Each flower adds to the bouquet

emitting springtime fragrance today.

Daffodils which smell spring-fresh

or spicy scented hyacinths.

Today the hardy magnolia burst into bloom

as the morning's sun warmed the earth before noon.

Unfortunately this week's forecasted rains

will cause its snowflake blooms to downward rain.

Can't wait to see pink bleeding hearts on a stem

intermingled with purple globe-shaped alliums

in the same bed with white lily of the valley

identified by their tiny bells so wee.

The dogwood will bloom soon.

Can't wait to see its pink blooms.

Will two robins build a nest here this year?

If so, I'll be awakened with morning cheer.

Soon the white crab apple will blossom.

Beware! A hive of bees will descend.

Do take a moment to watch them,

a study in pollination.

Should another storm pass through

the dormant grass will change its hue,

while robins search for breakfast

after the storm is past.

In the meantime, pictures are taken

for when another thunder storm threatens

many springtime blooms will be seen bending down,

while others lose their color, turning brown.

* * * * *

Spring storms bring many welcome changes,

though life storms bring life-altering changes.

Yes, life is full of change

so we should not think it strange.

Though change is seldom ever welcomed,

in the end the result is welcomed.

Think of it as one door closing and another opening

or endings giving way to necessary new beginnings.

Life's many surprise storms,

in the form of problems,

will mature us in the end

as they teach us to depend

on God who already has the solution worked out -

to have believing faith and trust, to not give in to doubt.

It's doubt that sees the situation as impossible

forgetting that with faith in God, all things are possible.

So next time the winds of change storm in

remember that God is with you, He's within.

Your storm is not yours alone

but God's time to perfect, to hone.

Change is meant to grow your faith

as you rely on God's grace

and faithfulness

through each test.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers,

whenever you face trials of many kinds,

because you know that the testing of your faith

develops perseverance.

Perseverance must finish its work

so that you may be mature and complete,

not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

Though now for a little while

you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials,

These have come so that your faith –

of greater worth than gold,

which perishes even though refined by fire -

may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor

when Jesus Christ is revealed.

I Peter 1:6-7

He must believe and not doubt,

because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea,

blown and tossed by the wind...

he is a double-minded man and

unstable in all he does.

James 1:6,8

All things are possible with God.

Mark 10:27b

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