Stormy Praises

Storms seem to come in such varying ways and forms.  So do the storms of life.  I am recently reminded of how we each uniquely handle our storms.  I was reminded that in our human flesh it can become so easy to get sucked in to the fury of the storm and be tossed about.  At the same time, we have a choice to take a step back and learn more about the elements of the storm so that we can brace it and come through knowing what we learn while holding our heads high.

I so often find it easy to be wrapped with emotions and be caught in the snare of impossibility trying desperately to make it all work out in my power or wishing for things or people to change that I have no power over.  The reality of it all, I am contributing to my own storm over something I am powerless to change.

As I begin, to step back and say that no matter what I am grateful and thankful for where I am and for the life that I am living, I truly begin to see the changes happen that I have been waiting to see for so long.  I realize miracles only begin to happen as we begin to praise and be grateful where we are at.  Small miracle that took 14 years to reveal and truly teach appreciation.  It was nothing that I could do on my own.  It was only something only God  could do, but only after I was ready.

Was he really done teaching me to praise at all times?  No!  I am so glad that he chose to continue to allow my learning to continue through a phone call that not many ever want to hear.  Your loved one was in an accident.  First response was relief my husband was okay and to be in shock that it happened.

It did not take long to be reminded with love and prayer to pause to praise.  As I began to praise for protection, I was soon caught up with how many things I truly had to praise about.  Praising for the here and now, praising for the wisdom and guidance, praising for the love and support of friends and family, praising for the details that God already had worked out that we are waiting to see, praising that my faith will be strengthened, praising for seeing his hand, praising that life is not about feeling stuck on a roller coaster not of our choosing.

I learned to see so much by praising.  As I continued to learn to speak that praise and exercise praise I seen so much more I had to be thankful for.  I can truly say that praise can bring beautiful learning of storms.