Above The Storm

I can’t believe it’s already been four months since my vocal cord surgery. I finally got to see my surgeon for my follow-up, check-up after an appointment reschedule. My appointment actually has me seeing two specialists in the same office and because of the lengthy travel involved, about 60 miles one way, his office staff is good to me by scheduling both to see me one right after the other, which doesn’t always work out. Well anyway, Shantell gets to abuse me first with her little camera probe. I guess I’ve graduated from the through the nose probe to the camera down the throat, neither of which I find any enjoyment, but accept as part of the plan. The desktop computer records and saves what the camera sees and I get to witness the actions of my own voice. My surgeon was pleased with what he saw, which always pleases me. He explained what went on in surgery and that the new equipment he used was far better and more precise than seven years ago and my first surgeries. He asked me what I though and I told him I believed my voice was better than ever before. He said he agreed, but didn’t know why because that shouldn’t be. I told him the Lord has bigger plans and I need a good voice to carry them out for Him. He sort of shrugged his shoulders and reminded me that we may have to do this several more times throughout the rest of my life.
If you’ve done a lot of flying, like I have, you’ll know what this story relays. If not, I hope the story gives you the sense of what it means to be on the other side of the storm. “I soared around the storm with effortless ease and great confidence for I was in a giant metal bird ...above the storm. The vicious storm, with several destructive tornadoes, made it impossible to land. All we could do was circle and wait. Having experienced the devastating power of a West Texas spring storm, the calmness of the sky above the storm was almost mystical. The moon was full and ruled the calmness with a sense of majesty. The clouds below looked soft and harmless, gently rolling in the wind. Even the savage lightning and booming thunder were hidden from my sight. It was easy to get caught up in this amazing sight. There was no great desire to be on the ground where the storm was ripping through the countryside with a vengeance. It had been a long day, but now there was no tiredness in body or soul as we soared above the storm. This was a new view of a fearsome, destructive storm. The other side of the storm was one of incredible beauty and peace. How could this storm be so savage, and so peaceful?”
[Romans 8:38-39] “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” I’ve heard it said ‘there’s always a calm after the storm’ and conversely stated ‘the calm before the storm’. I have found, in Christ Jesus, there is a calm during the storm. The storms of life bring uncertainty and a sense of putting life on hold, circling, unable to land in comfortable surroundings. I’ve found a peace during my storms, knowing that my God is there to calm my fears with the assurance that no matter what may be found after the storm, He will still be there. This life with it’s daily battles, forgotten rewards and passing storms will end one day, and then we’ll see our God. “Enter in, my good and faithful servant”, will be my reward forever, above the storm.