Wind Power

This was a weekend of extremes. On Saturday the north wind blew hard, chilling me to the bone. Even though the sun was shining, the temperatures barely reached 50. Yesterday the wind's power changed its source and forcefully blew from the south, warming temperatures to the upper 70s. It was tiresome both days because I fought the strength of the wind both days. It was "hang on to your hat" and more, both days. The birds struggled to fly and the trees bowed down with respect.

"The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going" (John 3:8 NIV).

When I was a child we had a windmill on our farm. It was one of the iconic windmills that are so rare but so photographed these days. The same wind that moved its blades to produce the power to pump water, has left many of the rural Iowa windmills bent and broken. Those that remain are cherished reminders of time past and beautifully represent another era, especially against a colorful sunrise or sunset.

Today Iowans realize what power there is in the wind and literally hundreds of wind farms cover the state, harvesting the power with rows and rows of huge white turbines.

As believers we sometimes forget to harvest the power of the Holy Spirit in our own lives. We have access to such great strength through the Holy Spirit. He teaches us all things and reminds us of all that Jesus spoke, and fills us with lasting peace. The Holy Spirit is our constant helper and Counselor.

"Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire, that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them" (Acts 2:2-4 NIV).