Weather the Storm

School is well underway here in McIntosh County. In fact, by the time you read this the Bucs will have already played their first football game and will be preparing for game two this Friday.  I think it’s too hot for football.

            I remember when we did not start school until after Labor Day, and the first football game would be that Friday.  It was warm, but not as bad. Of course, back then they would play ten consecutive weeks, and fewer teams made the state playoffs. So, with school starting as early as it does (blame it on the semester system replacing quarters), and with bye weeks and more playoff games, there are three weeks of football in August.

            I am glad that my favorite sport was played indoors.  We never had to battle the elements during a basketball game (my dad told me that he played two outside basketball games in the 1950’s, but I’ve always wondered if he was, “misremembering”). 

            No matter, the wind never impacted my jump shot. I never had to run the court in the rain.  The sun could not be blamed for getting in my eyes. No, basketball was played in perfect conditions on a hardwood court. 

            Life is more often like football than basketball. Not only are they playing in the heat right now, but it is likely they will have rain and cold impact them before the season is over.  And they have to play through it.  Unless there is lightning, football games are played. And the mud and the rain and the cold and the heat all play a role in the outcome.

            And so, your life is impacted by the storms of life.  There are only three kinds of people. Those in the midst of a storm. Those coming out of a storm. And those about to enter a storm.  How you navigate life’s storms tells much about you. Remember that the disciples were in the boat on the lake because they were obeying Jesus. He told them to go to the other side.  So, storms don’t indicate that you are out of His will.

            The Lord doesn’t keep us out of storms. He goes with us through those storms. I pray that you will trust the One who walked on water and stilled the storm. He will take care of you.