Drenched

If every storm runs out of rain, the question to ask is: Did you stock up on the necessary provisions and were mentally ready to ride out the storm? Were you primed for the impending tempest and planned accordingly? Can you endure the intensity of the squall knowing that at some point, it will pass?

Or were you caught off guard when the first raindrops fell? If that’s the case, you’ll be in danger of getting swept away by a brief shower. Because even a little bit of rain (or problems or setbacks) can wreak havoc on those taken by surprise. Knowing that given the right conditions, a person can drown in just an inch of water, what are you doing today to ensure you can stay afloat if a flood inundates tomorrow?

A boat secured too tightly to a dock will list and strain with the waves generated from a storm. Too much slack and the boat violently rocks back and forth. If marine warnings are not heeded and the appropriate preparations not taken, there’s a greater probability the ship will sink where it’s harbored. While a vessel moored correctly will adjust with the surging water levels and emerge intact.

We don’t give ourselves enough credit when we weather the storms in our lives unscathed. Or the proper time for reflection and recovery if battered. Either way, once the rains have subsided, shed those soaking clothes. Hang everything up to dry. Towel yourself off. Get some coffee, tea, cocoa or a stiff drink. Bask in the arriving sun that inevitably dissipates the gray sky. Find the personalized, silver lining in every ominous cloud that passes over you. Life flourishes after times of despair. And so will you.

Every storm runs out of rain. Don’t you run out of perseverance.