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A Winter Storm

Pastor's Piece, by Pr Andy

 
Theirs is nothing more amazing and quite sharp as a winter storm!  Grey clouds dancing and swiftly moving through the sky, the blue shown in little peaks as the clouds part and close up again, the strong wind that is so brisk it's like ice has become gas and can reach through almost anything, but that cool on the face is so vibrant, the greens become greener after the light rain and sometimes ice or snow, everything is bought into sharp focus!  Wow a winter storm can be so spectacular!

Storms come in various forms, I recall some time ago that a number of colleagues and friends and I travelled to Brisbane to farewell a friend and colleague of many years.  As my close friend and I drove alone in the car we reflected on Mel's life.  We attend the funeral the next day, it was tough, but there was still hope and joy as we celebrated life, and the hope we will be reunited with him when Jesus returns. 

As we sat and listened, cried, laughed, and recalled the best of the memories (as one does), we couldn't help noticing a theme that was spoken of again and again- laughter and service.  Our friend's name was Pr Mel.  His life's work was to "love on" people with a big smile and many hugs, this was the big statement.  He was a natural!  But we realised his going to rest had brought us to a place of grief and loss, in that place as we looked out together and pondered the reality of it all, the storm of emotion brought it all into sharp focus- are we living and sharing the most purposeful life with Jesus we can.  We sat and prayed together, and honestly, we cried a lot, but we made a request of God to remind us to put Jesus in the centre of our consideration, plans, hopes and dreams.  We committed to support one another, to double down on our desire to love our family, church, and community. 

But often we recognised that when the storm comes, the battering the difficulty and the cold harsh winds, "How often we look upon God as our last and feeblest resource! We go to him because we have nowhere else to go. And then we learn that the storms of life have driven us, not upon the rocks, but into the desired haven." George Macdonald

Storms in life can sharpen our focus just like a brisk yet beautiful winter alpine storm, God uses these times to remind us of- life, hope, faith, love and commitment with increased clarity.  Isaiah 41:10 reminds us to "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  May God be with you this winter, and when the cool, grey day come, then may you see the beauty of a creator God who is your refuge, may that picture be clearer than ever and may it sharpen the beauty of God in your heart and mind!

Blessings
Pr Andy

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