Thunderstorms are nature’s way of cleaning house. The crisp scent of electricity in the air, coupled with the fresh fragrance of falling rain, is the earth’s way of balancing itself. Unstable environmental conditions lead to thunderstorms and severe weather. Storms have a way of sorting out and clearing the way for something better, such as cooler temperatures and drier air quality. Sometimes, the aftermath of a storm ushers in soupier air and heat. In all situations, however, an atmospheric change has occurred. I don’t know about you, but I usually feel a lot better after a thunderstorm has passed. I’m also a firm believer that change is a good thing.
Life is a lot like an electrical storm. As we journey through our own paths, we encounter all sorts of people who can either fit perfectly or cause a great deal of friction. Those that create the friction are the ones to pay attention to. Usually, they’re the ones who are teaching us our greatest lessons.
When I was younger, my sister and I disagreed on just about everything. We always seemed to be arguing, and there were many times that I wondered whether or not we should have even been born into the same family. As it turns out, she’s been one of my biggest teachers, for I learned tolerance and the ability to listen to someone else’s point of view. I also learned a whole lot of patience. It was usually during our “cloudbursts” that the greatest lessons were learned, and clarity about the situation was gained. On the other side of the storm, we grew stronger within ourselves. We also felt a lot better, for after the arguing came the conversation that led to understanding. Because of these moments of instability in our relationship, I have gained some insight in many of my adult interpersonal relationships. As each new “storm” approaches, it paves the way for some clearer, cleaner insights.
I’ve always loved thunderstorms, especially the buildup. The darkened skies, the rumble of thunder off in a distance, and the gusty breezes always heralded in a whopper that was sure to cool things off. I recall Mom’s advice of putting on rubber-soled shoes if storms were in the forecast. I suppose she thought that if we were wearing sneakers, we would be “grounded” from the lightning’s effects, if we were unfortunate enough to be struck. Looking back, it almost seemed metaphorical that Mom was “grounding” us for what lay on the opposite side of life’s storms.
Thunderstorms are primarily seen in the summertime, although they can be witnessed during a “thunder snow” in the dead of winter. They are isolated events with an extraordinary amount of power. A bolt of lightning is hotter than the sun’s surface, and the thunder are actually shockwaves of power that are being felt and sent through the atmosphere. It would behoove us, therefore, to display a great deal of respect for the power of a thunderstorm, and to seek shelter when necessary to stay safe. Although they don’t occur on a regular basis (as they do in Florida in the summer), they are still dangerous and must be dealt with as such. We have been warned by meteorologists globally to stay indoors or seek shelter immediately during a lightning storm. Yet, with all of the warnings, there are still at least 70 people yearly who are killed by lightning, and hundreds more suffer life-altering injuries.
As the thunderstorms of life pass you by, remember to take cover when necessary, but keep an open heart. Storms are temporary, and they usher in the newness and freshness that Life has to offer, as long as we’re willing to peer past the clouds.
