When The Storm Comes

Dark clouds on the horizon are present.

Those alert and watchful know

Now is the time to finish the work outside

And be busy preparing until the winds start to blow.

Last chance to finish the work on the roof

To seal that window that didn’t get done

No time to sit idly by now

Any minute the clouds may burst

Some will get it all done

Others just won’t

Be it for lack of time for preparation, be it not realizing what needs doing, be it indifference

Or be it ignorance, distraction, not seeing the storm coming

Thinking everything is ok.

Because the winds are soft, the leaves just swaying

It’s cozy on the deck, or in a chair by the fire

And then the storm comes.

First the winds whip

You think the storm is here

Then momentary lull

Before the force of it cascades

And there’s no return

It beats mercilessly

It finds the unsealed window and roof, and water pours in

You can’t stop it

You can only try to contain it so it doesn’t destroy other thingsyou’ve worked for

And scold yourself for forgetting the holes

And tell yourself next time you will be prepared

Until the storm is over

You think your foundation is sure

You think you’ve built it well in the proper place

You think you’ve followed the Master’s instruction

But the storm will show you whether or not

You don’t know all the damage the storm is doing

Until it’s over

You don’t see the things ripped from you

What you forgot to secure

Until it’s over

You don’t even know that you failed in construction

Until the storm comes

Be thankful it is only the holes, the missing pieces, the failings

You have windows, your walls haven’t fallen

You still have a shelter to help and cover

Those who built on the sand, even with a good foundation

Theirs is a life of ruins

They can start again but be ruined by the next storm

Or you can teach them where to build

You can help them build something that will last

And remind them about the holes