Stormy Weather

Just 30 minutes ago I found myself turning down the volume on my TV, stopping my Internet search and sitting still in my apartment to welcome the sound of rolling thunder across the Harlem sky. As long as I can remember, I have loved the feelings I encounter before a summer storm; the smell of rain subdues my senses while the grey sky calms my nerves and the sound of rain on the window sill completely sends my body into relaxation mode. I wonder how it is that I am so welcoming of storms while others become terrified of the sudden shatters in the sky and downpours on their day's plans. It seems to me that perspective and perception really are everything.

I am now sitting at my window, looking down the hill and watching the sun peek from the clouds. The clouds are rolling past and warm sherbet colored shades of of orange, yellow and pink are being cast throughout my apartment. The plants on my fire escape look revived and full of new beginnings as does my spirit. It's funny how something as simple as a summer storm can evoke such emotion. After a somewhat difficult day on the job, today's storm caused me to draw a million comparisons and conclusions about my life, my existence and my daily walk. I was reminded that life continues to throw unexpected storms our way, rough patches where our skies are cloudy, grey and often streaked with lightening. Just as we can not control mother nature, I believe we have no real control over life; what we can control is how we react, respond and accept life's stormy weather.

My faith has taught me to seek the beauty within a storm and has given me the knowledge that the sun will peek through soon there after. I am thankful for today's storm, both in the workplace as well as in the atmosphere. My eyes and my senses are being trained to see and feel new things as well as to appreciate stormy weather..for how else would I know to be thankful for sunny days!