October 28, 2012 ~ For Every Storm a Rainbow

October 28, 2012 ~ For Every Storm a Rainbow

"When you come out of the storm, you won't be the same person who walked in.

That's what this storm's all about"

~Haruki Murakami

"There can be no rainbow without a cloud and a storm."

~John H. Vincent

   

Tonight my thoughts and prayers are with friends and loved ones who live along the east coast as they prepare for the onslaught of Hurricane Sandy, predicted to be the biggest storm ever to hit the mainland. Dubbed "Frankenstorm" by the National Weather Service, this arctic storm wrapped around a hurricane is a expected to cause widespread wind damage and flooding all along the eastern seaboard.

Watching news reports and checking my iPhone for Hurricane Sandy updates has got me thinking about the awesome power of mother nature, and how humbling it is to experience a storm such as this one. It feels like a reminder of just who is in charge here. We feel pretty powerless in the face of howling winds and pounding rain, toppled trees, and rising tide surges. With loss of power, perhaps for many days, life becomes a bit of an adventure. Without our usual creature comforts, we are reminded of how much we take for granted...one misses the simple things, like the ability to take a hot shower in the morning or make toast and coffee. Survival is the order of the day.

Yet there is something magical too that takes place as we hunker down to weather a storm. There is a pioneer spirit that emerges, as priorities shift to the essentials of life. We pull out the Coleman stove and flashlights, we dine by candlelight, and sit beside the fire to stay warm. We read, we engage in conversation or play games together when we might otherwise be watching TV. We check in with our neighbors to see if they're alright. There is a spirit of unity, of pulling together to help one another and share our resources. 

It seems that facing adversity seems to bring out the highest and best within us. And that is what I am grateful for—the hidden gifts in the storms of life. We don't know how strong or courageous or kind or caring we can be until we are called upon to rise to the occasion. And in times of extreme adversity, in stormy weather or the storms of life, we are invited to connect more deeply with what is essential—with the mystery and majesty of the universe, with our own wild nature, and most importantly with others. And of course, after the storm comes the rainbow, a sort of divine promise of the good—the peace and beauty—that always prevails.

Feeling deep gratitude tonight, I leave you with an Irish blessing:

"May God give you...For every storm a rainbow, for every tear a smile, for every care a promise and a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share, for every sigh a sweet song and and an answer for each prayer."