This morning a violent storm rolled into my city.   The thunder was fierce; lightening shattered the early morning sky and the wind whipped and howled.  The thunder bellowed and shook the house and woke me out of a sound sleep. It reminded me of the earthquakes I use to wake up to during my time spent overseas.  Suddenly a loud zap and boom frighten my dog
 
The sound and lightening scared him to the point of terror.  He began to yelp and cry then scratch frighteningly at the kitchen door.  As the storm move closer he became more frantic.   I got up and went to get him to calm him down.  I picked him up and held him like a frightened child, patted his back and spoke soothing words to him.  His trembling soon quieted and the panic look in his eye calmed.  I held him for few moments to comfort him then put him in the room on the floor next to my son where he relaxed and finally fell into a calm peace.

As left the room, my younger son called out.  The storm had frighten him also.  I went in his room to reassure him.  I got in the bed with him and put my arm around him.  He said in a soft voice that he did not like the noise and he wished it wouldn’t happen. 

I explained to him that the storm was a way for God to replenished the earth.  He brings the rain to water the ground, grass and flowers, and crops.  It also cools and washed the birds and animals and provide fresh water for them.  The thunder is his announcement that his life sustaining water is on the way and the lightning lights the path for those searching to find a drink.   God said that he will supply all our needs and that includes both man and beast.   He seem to accept my explanation and drifted back to sleep.  

 I  lay with him for a few more minutes then sat on the side of the bed and watched over him as another loud round of crashes and booms exploded .

  As I sat I patted his back to let him know that I was still with him and not to worry.   As I sat I realized that as I had comforted my dog and son, that this is what our heavenly Father does for us.

       I realized that all creatures, whether man or beast, need reassurance sometimes.  The strongest creature can sometime waiver, even for an instant,  and allow fear to overtake him but, our loving Father  comes in  with his calming presence to let us know that it is aright.  No worries.  All Is Well,  because he will be by our side watching over us and be with us while the storm is raging  with a calming hand soothing us, allowing us to rest.  He loves us too much to let us go though storms alone.