Thunder & Lightning

Throughout this very un-Californian storm we've been experiencing this last week, I've really had a lot of time to enjoy the change. Normally, its sunny; not a cloud in the sky. If it rains, its more a fine mist that might inspire a sprinkling for maybe a couple of minutes. But what we've experienced these last couple of days hasn't been a sad excuse for weather, its been the real deal. Flash flood and tornado warnings have pestered the radio waves, and streets have quite literally turned into frothing rivers of white water you're not terribly sure you can even drive through. But of all the water works, I really find myself blown away by the lightning and its resounding thunder. No wonder the ancient Greeks saw lightning as something from the gods, it lasts for nothing more than a tenth of a second, yet it lights up all of its surroundings, all of the sky, and burns its image into your vision so that all you can see when you close your eyes is its form. And after you've been blinded by the intensity of the act itself, a booming thunder follows directly after, completing its one-two punch for your attention. Whereas thunder does not come from Zues or any of the other gods of lore, it is part of our God's creation. Most of the time, we praise God for the beauty of this world, for the little things, for the masterpieces He has perfected and given to us. But sometimes God more than proves His complete dominion over nature and our lives in absolute shows of power like lightning. We fear it. Lightning is something that we understand through our science and common knowledge, but even then, its power and command over everything is more than intimidating. As much as I love being reminded that God is gentle and loving; sometimes it is so beneficial to be reminded of God's complete and total reign of power over everything in this universe.