Storms and I don’t get along. Well, except for during the daylight hours. Daytime is the limit to my tolerance to their shenanigans. Otherwise, let’s say, I would rather not have them around. Especially thunderstorms.
My husband on the other hand, loves thunderstorms. The bigger, the better. The more lightning and power on display and he becomes awestruck. Maybe it is has something to do with the fact he is an electrician and has experienced and harnessed that power within his own fingertips. I don’t know.
But I know why I don’t like thunderstorms and it has nothing to do with my fascination of the lightning or the power it wields in the sky. Or even the sound of thunder, although it in and of itself can be frightening with its cracks and slams vibrating the ground for miles upon miles as it rolls along.
I don’t necessarily like the everlasting fiery consequences of the finger of God. After all, He sears all in its path with His mighty flash and sword. As I am all too aware…
Why does God give only to take away? Especially to a six or seven-year-old girl struggling through life already? Why would He steal the joy of Christmas by destroying all she and her family owns and then isolate her from her friends?
Because this little girl didn’t understand it for years. She’s carried the terror of night thunder and lightning with her for decades because of it as well. And precious few understand why.
Until she became disabled and found the gift of a Service Dog named Bo and discovered the true meaning of unconditional love. The type of love that never leaves, never fails, and will die for you no matter what you do, say, or don’t do for another. Yes, that means even when you don’t deserve it.
That’s a rare kind of love. I have that kind of love for another — two people in fact— my husband and son. I would die for them. And I’m sure they would die for me. But I never saw it actually displayed before. Baldly… outwardly… so… well, lavishly than in the eyes and actions of Bo, my Service Dog.
He protects, helps, supports, loves, admonishes, stops, disciplines, warns, plays, entertains, and does everything without regard to any pain, fear, or disappointment I may cause him. And he would give his life for mine in a heartbeat. Why? Because he loves me unconditionally.
My actions and what I experience each day from them and simply living on this earth, are bearable now. That may seem unimaginable to some but it’s true. Why? Because Bo shows— lives— and gives me a glimpse of God’s love in action every single day. Therefore, it has quenched those consequences of the fire that has continually burned around and within me since I was a child.
I can watch a thunderstorm at night and not hide in my husband’s shoulder or the bed. I can listen to the rolling thunder (oh, the cracks and bangs still make me jump) and feel my heart race with excitement not fear.
I’m more than living. I’m ALIVE. And I like that— a lot. What about you?
Living for Christ,
Renee Blare, RPh (disabled)
Christian Mystery and Suspense Author and Artist
Prism Book Group, a subsidiary of Pelican Books
https://www.prismbookgroup.com
https://www.pelicanbookgroup.com
Books for sale of Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple Store, BAM, Christianbook.com, and other online retail stores.
Available releases:
Beast of Stratton
To Soar on Eagles’ Wings
Through Raging Waters
Crazy Woman Christmas
Renee Blare Christian Author 