Thunderstorms

I heard thunder and smelled rain for about 30 minutes tonight. In Colorado thunderstorms are very rare. It's pretty dry here, and although we get the occasional shower, the sound of thunder is a joy we only get to experience once, maybe twice a year.

As I could smell the rain I sat there and thought about why it is that I love thunderstorms so much. And the answer came to me. I like thunderstorms so much because it's one of the only times people stop what they're doing, and just take a second to look around. The storms give us a chance to take a break. We accept that there is something bigger than us going on, and we submit to the weather and watch, in awe, as the storm picks up. For once in our crazy rushing, hectic, filled to the brim lifestyles, we use the storms as an excuse to stop, smell, look, and listen.

As I think back over the last 10 or so years of my life I can think of many instances where I have sat outside with a friend or two, under the safety of a roof or a deck, and watched a thunderstorm roll in, enjoy the soothing sound of the rain, and watch it roll out into the next city. There is a sense of peace in knowing that you have no control over the wind, the rain, and the storm. We are at the mercy of the rain, and against everything we have been tought by the world, we feel a joy in the safety that something is bigger than us. We have an EXCUSE to relax, and enjoy the view.

It's a great reminder for me. When things feel out of control I am reminded to just stop, look around, see the view, and experience the joy.

Kate