Storms Don't Last

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
       and he brought them out of their distress.

He stilled the storm to a whisper;

       the waves of the sea were hushed.

 They were glad when it grew calm,
       and he guided them to their desired haven.

 Psalm 107:28-30

Today storms moved through northern Illinois. Everyone knew about the storm coming up, because the National Weather service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning until 7 p.m. for all of the Chicago area.
At first the skies were dark, then wind came sweeping down, and at the end heavy rain lingered awhile. It lasted only for approximately 5-10 minutes, and moved on to other areas.
Storms come up suddenly and usually don't last long. 

Some neighborhoods are out of power due to severe storm, and our home belongs to one of them.
It is Friday so our fridge has little food left. I am glad we have only shrimps and chicken to throw away.

When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. Matthew 16:2-3

<< nOt sO cOmPLicAteD >>

Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning." Exodus 20:20

I have friends with all kinds of problems. Mostly they are dealing with family or relationship issues. Sometimes I don't understand what is the purpose of inflicting pain on others and yourself, and why one continues to do so even after the lesson is learned. When my friends come to me with their stories I give them a peaceful look and a listening ear. But I wonder if they can see outside their consuming situation that's placing them into uncomfortable bondage. And bondage is exactly what they feel. Notice the hidden meaning of this word! Two words are synthesized into one: Bond + Age. It means that one develops a certain bond throughout a certain time, and in the outcome one creates strong attachment towards someone/thing in years that have gone by, and develops good or bad bondage in the years to come. If one is in a bad bondage he seeks solution. Fortunately, to every hurtful situation there is a solution. First I need to point out that the solution is not so complicated compared to the messed up situation. Actually, the solution is always simple and never complicated. So, what is the cure to our broken hearts? Why do we feel the way we do? How do we hold our sanity in place? Who do we call for help? How did we get into this mess? Why does no one understand me? 
Questions are piling up. 

The closest solution to a messy situation is an inner voice.  During our life quest this voice tells us not to go to a bizarre places and simply stay away from unusual friends. Different people call it different names, but this "little voice" I call the fear of God. I believe everybody has one, and even if one denounces God it's hard to denounce your own creation. My experience proved countless times that if I obey this voice I have peace. If for some reason I have no peace I become either agitated, anxious or restless. But when I listen to the fear of God, then I have peace. This peace and the fear of God go hand in hand. One without another cannot coexist. You cannot have a true peace without the fear of God. If peace is only achieved when intoxicated, then the fear of God is silent too. So next time you feel funky about making a new move, please don't panic and rush things up. Instead stay calm and listen to your inner voice. You just might hear more than your inner voice.

"All mankind will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done." Psalm 64:9

May I HaveThis Dance?

     

Then maidens will dance and be glad,

       young men and old as well.
       I will turn their mourning into gladness;
       I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. 

Jeremiah 31:13

 Dancing is like an inside-out of inward freedom. Sometimes I feel dancing is not from this world, because of its divine radiance and trance, complete absorption of self, and oneness in time and space. I love to watch people dance. 

Few days ago I met one charming couple who attend a local dancing class. I expressed my wish to see them in action, and right away they asked if I could look up a song Oye Como Va by Santana online. As I watched them dance I felt a feather-like tenderness was passing over my face. It was such a delight to watch them sway in an accord with the music and move as if they were one. I was amazed they were willing to dance just for me and share their exhausting moves (plus we just met). It was the best gift anyone gave me that day.

When in a public place most have an excuse not to dance -- usually men have an excuse or two. If men only knew that dancing is the most beautiful gift, they would certainly do it over buying flowers and heart-shaped boxes of chocolate.
 Remember how fun it was to spin around when you were a kid! Adults would clap and praise your little dance, because your wobbly moves were so adorable. Your dance was a gift to them.

Next time when someone asks you: "May I have this dance?"
Recall that dancing is...

•  expression of love and joy
• excellent exercise and stress relief
•  fun that keeps you young
• leap into transcendent
• work of art and a gift to the loved one/One

...and please say: "YES!"

****

      I will build you up again

       and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel.
       Again you will take up your tambourines
       and go out to dance with the joyful.

Jeremiah 31:4