The clouds are hanging low and heavy this afternoon
Clouds can bring with them a variety of emotions or feelings. The relief on a scorching hot summers day when a cloud passes in front of the sun and you feel that moment of relief and a touch of coolness. The rain clouds that look dark and ominous, but bring much needed rain to dry and parched lands, not to mention filling up thirsty water tanks! Then there are the beautiful fluffy white clouds that just look stunning against a bright blue sky - the kind we drew in our pictures when we were kids!
The sort of clouds I like - white and fluffy decorating a blue sky
Interesting how clouds are featuring in my thoughts at the moment.......I even found myself writing about them in my journal this morning. For me when I feel a 'cloud' is hovering over me (figuratively) or threatening to hover, it often means I am struggling with the 'aloneness' that comes with losing your spouse. I know I have mentioned this before in my writings, but it is something that doesn't really go away, something that you have to deal with on an ongoing basis.
I find it helpful to recognize it for what it is, write about it, talk about it maybe.........face it head on......and then of course pray about it......that always must be my first 'go to' response!
That 'cloud' always seems closer, heavier and darker when something happens to upset the balance in your life. Things like illness, stress, tiredness.......so it's real important to recognize this and to take steps to deal with it. For me that often means - taking the pressure off - do something practical - in the natural. Stay home, have a sleep, excuse yourself from some prearranged activity, walk on the beach, watch a DVD.....in other words....just do something for YOU and don't feel guilty about it!
So with these thoughts running around in my head, it is no coincidence that this past week or so my readings have included thoughts on burdens and clouds - and other heavy things...ha!
From Streams in the Desert today I read - do not be afraid to enter the cloud descending on your life, for God is in it! And the other side is radiant with His glory. When you feel the most forsaken and lonely, God is near. He is in the darkest cloud. Forge ahead into the darkness without flinching, know that under the shelter of the cloud, God is waiting for you.
Such a beautiful picture! In the spiritual - so in the physical. On the other side of this storm that is about to hit us - will be calm. The sun will shine again, the sky will be blue again, the winds will drop to a gentle breeze and the clouds will change from black to white!
It is good for me to remember this as I must admit I do not enjoy being buffeted around in this house when the strong winds hit. My house sits up quite high - nice to get the views - but not so good in the storms. I have had quite a few sleepless nights trying to control my fear while listening to the howling wind and torrential rain beating down. So if that happens tonight......I will focus my thoughts on what is coming on the other side of the clouds and the fact that my Heavenly Father is still in control!
Mangawhai Harbour WILL look like this again after the storm!
Then there's the whole thing about burdens..........but that can wait!
Till next time................
