Aug 14, 2009

226- Thunder in the Distance

Earlier today I was lying down (hmmm, been to the dentist... can't like it!) and I could hear the thunder in the distance. I've always loved thunder, lightning, and rain storms... call me silly, but there you are. Perhaps if I'd grown up on the East Coast, say Virginia, I would have a different and more scared opinion... but I grew up in the mountains where I could safely sit back and watch the show.

226- thunder

I've thought about that phrase "Thunder in the Distance" and I wonder how many times we might respond like a scared child afraid of the coming storm. Recently I talked with a friend whose had her share of problems and she speculated that we get ourselves too worked up about all the things that could go wrong (hey, we've both been there and things CAN go terribly wrong)! I don't think I have an answer for that. On the one hand I think that the trauma must come out... I just can't keep it bottled up inside. I get all my crying done in private and then can face the problem mostly tear-free. On the other hand (I also have 5 fingers), I ask, "Do I just get myself worked up needlessly?"

The thing that I DO KNOW is that the Lord is with me every step of the way. I don't have to go it alone or comfortless. I know that I can face anything with the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour AND Friend.

What are your thoughts...

7 comments:

Mom and Dad said...

I think you're right Joanie -- Thunder in the Distance -- troubles that may or may not materialize yet we fuss and worry. What a sad waste of energy and life when Peace can be so nearby. I like your word-picture. Thunder in the Distance. Thanks for the thoughts!
Annie

Anonymous said...

Mom (Edna) drilled into me NOT to worry until you have something to worry about. I was able to learn that pretty well but not 100% of the time. Then when troubles come,even if they seem overwhelming, focus on getting the problem taken care of or dealt with and it will help alleviate the worrying. Unfortunately, that only works in situations you have some control over and we know that isn't always the case. Appreciate your thoughts as they increase my ability to face what life hands me.

Love you. P

Jessica said...

First of all, I grew up mostly in the midwest (I even watched a few tornados form) and on the east coast and I still LOVE thunderstorms. One of my biggest grumps about Utah is the lack of really good storms!

I do get myself worked up about things that might happen. I have to tell myself, "Self, fear is the opposite of faith."

Thanks for the beautiful post, testimony and photo!

Sarah E Boucher said...

I am starting to see the freedom of just letting go a some things instead of getting all worked up about what may happen or did happen. There's a plan. It will work. If we do our part and just enjoy the show instead of getting so bent out of shape that we lose perspective, then we miss half the beauty of life. That's what I am beginning to see anyway.

Breanne said...

Clint and I went out last night, the kids stayed with my bro and his wife. My sis.-in-law loves storms so she opened the door and Xander was completely petrified. He got so worried that mommy and daddy were out in that and he kept complaining it was hurting his arms. As soon as we got back he kept saying "Did the funder get you?" over and over and when we went to leave he made Clint carry him until he was "safe in the car". We all react differently to the thunder we are dealt. Some much better than others, I think age (maturity) has a lot to do with how we handle things and what we worry about as well :)

Cindy Garber Iverson said...

It seems that as I get older I realize more and more that Heavenly Father is powerful enough and knowledgeable enough to take care of the big stuff, so I don't have to worry about things that fall into that category. And the little stuff... well, it's little so it doesn't require too much mental energy or worry and then it's resolved. I've found that my energy is much more productive channeled into activities other than worrying... and it's much more rewarding in the end.

Heather said...

I'm a self-professed worry wart - I think I was furrowed-browed at birth... but it never changes my situation. I've been slowly trying to work the worry out of my life and to really enjoy the length of my journey, wherever I may be right now. I've already spent way too much time fretting over missed opportunities or what-could-have-beens.

Your photo reminds me that beauty comes out of potentially scary, high drama situations. Gotta embrace that one a bit more myself.