The Wind

What a difference a calm day makes! My mother used to complain about windy days and I didn't really understand but now I do. We've had several days of wind at more than 25 mph, peaking at 45 mph on Tuesday. It was exhausting to listen to, let alone to be in. This morning we have calm; the branches aren't moving and the birds even seem relieved. We can hear the train whistle as clear as if it was across the street, instead of two miles away.

"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).

The stillness of today makes me want to be outside. The geese that nest nearby are off for their daily trek, honking their call as they fly overhead. The sheep venture to the unprotected areas of the pasture that they avoided during the windy days. Branches lie beneath the trees after being blown from on high. It is quiet enough to hear the birds and other noises that were masked by the rush of the wind yesterday. The car doesn't have to fight to stay on the road, nor does a fire jump from its beginning and race away out of control.

"He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants" (Psalm 104:3b-4 NIV).

The wind reminds us of God's power and that He is in control. So I thank God for the peaceful calm of today, knowing the wind will return with its might again one day soon.