Wild Wind

 

The wind is wild but the temperature is mild.

Suitably attired, Mary and I headed out on our normal route. For awhile we were sheltered by a stand of trees, and though we watched grey clouds scoot across the sky, the wind didn’t touch us. Then we passed the first substantial stand of trees. Blasts of blustering air slapped our faces and tore at our hats. We leaned into it, determined to complete our usual walk.

Slipping in and out of the sheltering stands of trees, we reached the end of the road and turned. Ah, we laughed. Now the wind was at our backs and we were propelled forwards. Easy. The wind was no longer an enemy but a friend.

When life slaps us in the face, it’s good to lean in and push forward. There will be times of refreshment, times of sheltering, times of rest. When people slap us in the face, it’s good to remember they might be outside of their sheltering stand of trees: they might be in a place of pain or vulnerability. It’s good to draw on the grace of the Lord and forgive. One day we might find we are both being blown in the same direction by the wind of the Spirit. And with them, we will laugh.

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Like Jesus, let’s keep our eyes on what lies beyond the cross: everlasting life in Christ.