After The Storm

Two nights ago, I awoke to bright lightning flashing outside our window.  Then came the crashing thunder.  Two hours later, we had a repeat as another storm roared through.

A few hours later, the sun was shining as I looked out my favorite window.  The view was so beautiful.  The leaves on our huge oak tree looked crisp, the grass was so green, and the sky was beautiful with unthreatening clouds.

Even though the storms earlier were loud and a little scary, the benefits were well worth the dark experience of the night.  We need the rain.  And I was so blessed by the very pretty view that morning.

So often, the aftermath of a storm carries with it refreshment and joy.

The same is true in the life of a believer.

We don’t often understand this side of heaven just why we go through trials of life.  But what we do know and understand is this:

“…I am the Lord and there is no other, the One forming light and creating darkness, causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the Lord who does all these.”   (Isaiah 45:6-7)

These promises to Israel continue:

“For thus says the Lord, just as I brought all this great disaster on this people, so I am going to bring on them all the good that I am promising them.”   (Jeremiah 32:42)

The God of Old Testament Israel is our God today, and His character and purposes have not changed.  He has a reason for every circumstance and event in the life of those who know and follow Him.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”   (Romans 8:28)

There is so much work that God wants to do in us.  Even Jesus learned obedience through the things which He suffered.  (Hebrews 5:8).  How much more do I need to learn the same?

Let me close with sharing one recent experience.  We were having a particularly rough behavior evening with Aaron.  We couldn’t understand why.  Then after supper, while I was at the kitchen sink and Aaron was a few feet away, he suddenly went into a seizure.  These drop seizures are both terrifying and dangerous.  He falls like a tree and has been injured several times over the years…staples, stitches, a lost tooth, CAT scans to check for concussions, and so forth.

Because I was so near and heard the seizure start, I was able to turn to him and grab him as I yelled for Gary.  I lowered Aaron to the ground as he fell while Gary ran in and was able to help.

Later, feeling depleted and very emotional, I sat in a chair near Aaron as he slept and recovered.  And I prayed.  I was able to practice what God has taught me over the years.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.”   (Colossians 3:15)

I was able to be thankful…thankful that I was near Aaron when the seizure started…that Gary was able to help…that Aaron was not injured…and that later he was his happy self again.

Honestly, I don’t say, “I’m so happy that Aaron has seizures!”

No.  But I can, because of what I know about God, be thankful for both the ways that God takes care of Aaron and for all that God has taught me over the years as I have learned to completely trust Him with this son whom we love so much.

It’s like looking out that window after the storm and seeing that the storm has brought to me another layer of growth and beauty despite the fear and struggles.

I pray the same for each of you today as you gaze out the windows of your life at the works that God has done because of, and after, the storms.  

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Author: Patty hesaidwhatks

I'm Patty and I write about our adult son who has Epilepsy and Autism, who still lives with my husband and me, and who is a package full of many surprises and joys and challenges and TALK! Lots of talking, which creates laughter and some other reactions as well. I also write about how God shows Himself to me in everyday life.

28 thoughts on “After The Storm”

  1. Such a heart-touching post, Patty, and so beautifully written. Thank you for sharing this powerful example of finding the blessings amidst the trials. You know you’re a treasure, right?! A treasure of honesty, humility, and faith, leading us to be the same. 🥰

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      1. Well, that works out nicely, Patty, because you’ve been a sweet gift to me ever since I discovered your blog! I admire your faith and perseverance that carry you through one difficult circumstance after another. God uses you as an example to MANY, I suspect. And I am one.

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  2. Thank you Patty. You , Gary and Aaron are an inspiration to so many. It reminds me that one day there will be no more seizures, musunderstandings or injuries from falling. God will persinally take the time to wipe the tears of each of us. I so appreciate these lessons that you share.

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  4. What a beautiful illustration, Patty, of a physical storm or two that brought refreshment to the dry ground. So too Aaron, signaled the coming brain storm and seizure. Then he recovered without injury and was his sunny self again. Patty, your refreshing outlook on Aaron, is an inspiration to all of us. Blessings!

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  6. Dear Jesus, thank you for Patty, the mom that you entrusted Aaron with. You chose a woman that loves you with all of her heart and therefore can show this same love to your precious child, Aaron. Please continue to provide her with her grateful heart. Amen.

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  8. Your account of God’s beautification of your little part of the earth likened to Aaron’s fortunate recovery from his seizure is awe-inspiring. Thank you, Patty, for sharing your strong faith and your beautiful son!

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  9. I have enormous compassion for you, Patty. I was babysitting my brother’s children once, years ago, and his middle daughter had a serious seizure. Thankfully his oldest (only 14) knew just what to do including a suppository and call to 911. This one experience was traumatizing for me, yet mothers who have children that seize face this over and over. So my heart hurts for you. What would we do without the Lord? He carries us through every hard thing this life brings our way. Hugs, my friend and God bless you and yours, today.

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    1. I often wonder what people do without the Lord. He is my comfort and He gives me hope. I cannot imagine living without the hope that God gives. And peace! I could go on and on about the blessings of God, which you well know yourself. Thank you, Cindy!

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  10. I can’t think of a better illustration of the verse “Give thanks in all circumstances” and practical application of how to live it out in the face of a storm. You truly are an inspiration Patty! Thank you for the genuine way you always share your journey and heart for Jesus and your family.

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  11. Beautiful perspective, Patty. ❤️ I’m thankful you were right there for Aaron and had Gary’s help as well.
    It’s glorious when we see the ways we’re drawing near to Him, just as His word points us to do.
    Great parallel between storms and life.

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