Living through the storm

Today I felt the storm before I saw it. The sky went dark and heavy, and something in my spirit said move. I didn’t run from fear — I ran toward shelter, and I think that’s the lesson.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1)

I saw a dead bird on the sidewalk again. Death keeps showing up around me lately — Jill’s passing, the quiet gardens, the fading flowers. But I know Scripture doesn’t let death be the final word.

“Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

Even as the garden dwindled, I noticed dragonflies swirling around me — small, living, moving things in the middle of all that stillness. It reminded me that life doesn’t stop just because a season is ending.

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19)

I took a shortcut home, ducked under the trees, and still got wet — but I made it to my door just before the rain broke wide open. Lord, that felt like grace. Not perfect protection, but enough protection. Just in time.

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” (Psalm 91:4)

I don’t know exactly what’s ending in my life right now — maybe old patterns, maybe old roles, maybe things I’ve carried too long in my marriage and my own heart. But I trust You are walking ahead of me, clearing the path even through the parts I can’t outrun.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to release what needs to end, the wisdom to see the new thing You’re doing, and the peace to trust that even when I get a little wet in the storm, You are still leading me home. Amen.

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