Winter Storms Are Brewing

Here in northern Colorado we are gearing up for our first snow storm of the winter.  We are tracking it as it comes closer.  It means work for Josh, needed moisture for our region, and a white birthday for our 5 year as he turns 6.  We are welcoming this storm.  But this process of tracking it, watching it, and the anticipation of its arrival causes us to take some perspective on the storms of our marriages.

Sometimes we can see the storm coming on the horizon; sometimes it surprises us.  If we are watching and paying attention to our marriage we can see when a potential storm is on the horizon.  Maybe its an unhealthy friendship starting or not enough spousal alone time.  Maybe its too much time apart or constant arguing about insignificant things.  Whatever it may be you can noticeably see a storm brewing.  And seeing it coming gives you options....you can either alter the path you are on so that you and your spouse can sidestep it or you can decide to go through and be wiser on the other side of it.

Seeing the storm makes it a lot easier to deal with because you can prepare for it.  But what about those storms that come out of nowhere and threaten to rip you to pieces.  The disciples found themselves in this predicament.  A storm arose while they were ferrying Jesus across the sea and they thought they would die.  And while they were preparing for death, Jesus was sleeping.  They woke Him up and asked if he even cared if they died.  Jesus got up, told it all to be still and it obeyed Him.

It's those storms that we don't expect that will test our resolve and our stance.  If you are prepared for something you can endure almost anything. It's when you are faced with an unknown variable, like a rogue marital storm, that the depth of your walk with Christ and your commitment to your marriage is tested.

When confronted with the rogue storm do you react to the situation and begin seeing how you can rescue yourself?  Do you immediately begin to think thoughts of death and despair?  Do you blame Jesus for not caring about your life and marriage?

Or do you look to Jesus and see Him sleeping in the midst of the storm?  Do you become so peaceful at the sight of your Savior sleeping that you, in turn, fall asleep?  I dare say that none of us have come to the place that this is our response to the storms of life.

But, this is where He wants us to be.  So in tune with Him and His Spirit that we only become agitated and desperate when He is.  And, in case you didn't know, Jesus doesn't get agitated or desperate...not even when He took the cross.

It's the unexpected, rogue storms that can and will test your responses.  So, embrace the unexpected...it's purpose through Christ is to make you more like Him.

Josh and Serena