“A storm is coming!” Those are the rushed and excited words of warning to everyone on “The Point” living and vacationing on Skaneateles Lake at the “South End.” In a far different era this long and narrow “Finger Lake,” along with other neighboring lakes, was carved out by a glacier, running north to south. Although at present the weather clouds flow west to east, storms can suddenly sweep over the hillside and significantly change everything. Consequently, it is very easy to get so focused on the present activity at hand, with sunshine high above, that you don’t notice the impending future storm. Someone will momentarily lift up his or her head to notice and call out the warning. Then each person will determine whether the storm is truly coming or will pass over the Lake at the “North End,” not at all affecting us at our end. Others, having already cleared their docks and secured their beaches or boats, will just stand and watch the storm’s approach in wonder. “It’s coming closer…”
Life is often unpredictable Many try to give advanced warning with information from their area of expertise, but in the end it is only their informed perspective. Each of us has to take the information and its source into consideration, assess it, and take action accordingly. Most of us will disregard the one repeatedly crying wolf or those who all the time say, “The sky is falling!” However, it is still pending upon us to periodically lift up our heads from our present activities to assess what may be coming in the future. Only then can we take appropriate action if required.
Better to act than just react!
Prayer rightly addresses the unknown What we are to know or not to know comes purely from the all-wise heart of God. What is best for us to do or not do rests firmly in the all-knowing hand of God. It is up to us to bring all things to Him.
Storms will come and storms will go All kinds of storms, whether social or spiritual, economic or political, physical or mental, have the potential to suddenly sweep upon or by us. The question remains whether or not we will be so preoccupied with our daily routines that we fail to notice a storm coming and to be heads-up to the Lord in prayer. Let us pray and seize the day!
Comments by Ric Ochsner