Rain, Wind, and Falling Leaves

It seems that just about every fall we have at least one big storm that excels the falling of the leaves. Today was that day. Thankfully, here in the US Northeast we did not experience a hurricane as did Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and other parts of the Caribbean. (Let’s be sure to pray for the people there and give towards their recovery.) We did, however, have our share of rain, wind, and falling leaves. 

We woke up to find the morning was a bit grey and damp. Throughout the morning the wind began to substantially pick up. And then early this afternoon, the skies opened up. By the end of the day, the roads were flooded, branches were strewn across the lawns, and the trees looked a bit more bare than they did earlier in the day. For sure, we had our share of rain, wind, and falling leaves. 

What we experienced today—the rain, wind, and falling leaves—seems to me to be quite a picture of the way life can be. You wake up one morning and things just seem a little more grey—i.e., something just doesn’t seem right. Before you know it, you’ve gotten that phone call or the doctor’s report or have that car accident. The winds are beginning to blow a bit harder. Then comes the deluge; one bad thing after another happens; one piece of bad news after another comes your way. Before you know it, you’re left feeling a bit bare—as if the leaves of your heart, mind, and soul have been stripped away. 

I know that’s not a very pretty picture of life. But if we are honest, we have to admit that such can be the case for us and too many others, too many times. The storms come, sometimes filled with fury. The wind blows and the rains pound. And the question becomes, will we or will we not be able to stand? Or put another way, what will be condition of our heart, mind ,and soul once the storm has passed? After all, every storm does eventually pass.  

Jesus, always the realist, told of two men whose houses had to withstand a great storm. He said, “The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house….” (Matthew 7:25- NIV). One man’s house stood firm for it had been built upon a rock—i.e., a firm foundation. The other house, however, collapsed for it had been built on sand.  Jesus explains, “…everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock… everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.” (vs. 24, 26). 

Whether we like it or not (and I’m pretty sure, we do not), storms will come into each of our lives. However, before the storm arrives we have an opportunity to build a house—i.e., a life—that will stand strong through the storm. How? By hearing and obeying the words of Jesus; by building our lives upon him and his word; by making our relationship with Jesus the foundation of our lives. There is no need to crumble and be left standing bare. For Jesus is able help us, save us, and keep us through whatever storm may come our way. He is the Rock upon which we can stand. 

Yes, there will be days that can be described as filled with rain, wind, and falling leaves. Before that day comes, however, let’s be wise and build our lives on Jesus, our firm foundation.

Have a great day 

- Pastor Tim Harris