Calm in the midst of the storm

Picture taken by Jill Frey of the tornado that went through Decker, IN

As many of you saw on Sunday, the Midwest was hit hard by severe weather.  Knox County, where we live, had quite the storm blow through.  My sister-in-law even captured a tornado as it plowed through farm fields just two miles north of our family farm.  Thankfully, everyone was alright and damage was minimal. When you see a tornado for the first time, fear isn't always the first thing that comes to mind.  It is this creepy, weird, mesmerizing feeling where you can't seem to walk away or turn your head (of course, this only holds true if you know that the tornado is not heading your way).  Harvest is over for most farmers so the fields are bare again and you can see for miles and miles. Let me just say that that tornado had quite the "hay" day in those fields.

When unexplained and uncontrolled events like a tornado happen, it serves as a reminder to me of God's great and almighty power and the constant lessons and gifts he gives us.  We really don't control much and what will happen, will happen.  We can stress and fret over things but what good does it really do but rob of us of another day that we are blessed to have on this earth.  I have said this before, but will say it again.

We are guaranteed only two things in life.  We are born and then we die.  

What we do in between is up to us.

Now, the above sentences I have said over and over in my head more times than I care to admit so please don't think that I don't worry or stress.  In fact, I do it everyday and too much.  I am getting better about taking pauses and deep breathes.  Living in Vincennes has helped my stress level greatly and forced me to slow down.  My personal storms are thankfully fewer than most.  Like right now, I have this awesome boot on my right foot because I thought I was superwoman and could run through throbbing pain in my heel and everything would be alright.  Nope, not a good choice.  I am not actually sure what is wrong but it has something to do with a possible stress fracture/planter fascias/bone spur/some crazy lady running all over the place knowing perfectly well that she should stay off her feet.  My storm was navigating a major life change. Having successfully made it through harvest, my storm is over for now (my foot pretty much guarantees no more running around and crazy multitasking).

We all have storms and while it rages through our lives, it is hard to see the sunshine or rainbow on the other side till you get there.  We just have to remember to hold on tight and know that God's plan is greater than any plan we have for ourselves.  His path may not be the path that we would choose but there is a reason. Now, if we can only hold on, keep our chins up and have the faith needed to see that rainbow on the other side.