Earth as Possessing Power

Today I was sitting with some friends in my living room and the front door was open, both to let light in and so that we could see the rain. In the course of our time together, there was a loud rumble of thunder that caught our attention. Often when I hear thunder I am reminded of the first time - that I can remember - that I really watched and encountered, though only through a window, a real storm. Though many children my age found storms disconcerting, I was so amazed and captivated by its brilliance and power. I had heard someone say that a certain amount of seconds between the flash of light and clap of thunder means that it’s such-and-such a distance away, so I patiently waited for each flash lightning and would begin to count, growing excited as it got nearer and nearer. I was  so amazed and thrilled that God would put such powerful, and dangerous, beauty in the earth. I think was the first time I understood the tremendum and power aspect of both God and nature, and it held me to my chair in rapt attention. I have never really been afraid of storms, but have felt rather drawn by them, much to my mother’s chagrin. When powerful hurricanes would barrel their way through our area, my brother and I would go outside to play in it, letting the heavy rain prick our skin like pins and needles, and feeling the strong pressing of the high winds against our bodies. We ate it up, and when we came back inside the house it was with bright and shining eyes, we felt more alive than ever before. There is something very compelling and alluring in the powerful force that nature possesses. I don’t imagine that I will ever tire of watching - or taking part - in it.