Storms Come, Calm Returns
Water is beautiful as well as powerful. A tsunami, for instance, is fascinating but destructive and deadly. Those who go to the shore to witness it are unlikely to survive. It stirs up from the depths creatures never seen before. In 2011 pieces of boats and buildings from Japan found their way to the California coast 5, 500 miles away. Some debris did not arrive until 2013 and 2014! There are times in our lives that can feel like a tsunami— disorienting and frightening. Old wounds are stirred up or new ones are inflicted. We may feel vulnerable or weak in presence of powerful forces and may watch helplessly as people, possessions, or ways of life are taken from us. We may feel like we are drowning! Yet the ocean can also remind us of God’s deep and powerful love for us. Storms come but calm returns. We hold on and pray. The ocean and its beauty can be serene and inspirational. Poems, songs, and paintings have been inspired by the ocean. Think about the beauty of a sunrise or sunset over the water. It can be breathtaking and mesmerizing! Can’t you imagine all the beautiful yellows, reds, pinks, blues, and oranges across the sky, reflecting on the water? Another wonderous gift of God’s creation! In the “Canticle of the Creatures” by St. Francis, he even praises this gift. “Praise be you, my Lord, through Sister Water, who is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.” On top of all that, we cannot live without water since most of our body is made up of water. Most of us carry a water bottle around with us. It is a good reminder of our loving God whenever you see, drink, or use water—especially when the going gets rough! Remember that drop of water is a hug from God filled with strength and love for us. Remember, St. Paul said, “I can do all things through God who strengthens me.” So, go ahead and reach for that water bottle when you need God’s strength and love. Be refreshed and let calm return!
