Through The Cloud

Psalm 99

So far, this week is a reminder to be patient. Let me explain.

On Sunday I wanted nothing more than to take a nap in the afternoon. I looked forward to this nap from the moment I woke up that morning. As it would happen there were errands to run, and things at home to do before I could lay down for my nap, which was nowhere as long as I had hoped it would be.

Yesterday afternoon I was asked to get a student from a class to bring him in to prepare for a test. He had to fill out a few pages on the test packet which was supposed to be done last week. I get to his class and realize they're on a different bell schedule and half way through his class, so we can't pull him out. I go back across campus to tell the teacher we can't pull him out, she says okay, then asks me to take her laptop back across campus to get it updated. I return from dropping off the laptop only to realize I need to go back across campus to check on something else.

This morning, I'm looking for my electric shaver in all the places I usually leave it. I can't find it anywhere. I even looked in places I wouldn't have left it. Just when I'm ready to give up I go to wipe my hands after washing them and notice an electric cord plugged into the wall. It's then I remember I had to charge my shaver and the plug I used is hidden behind the hand towel.

Sigh.

These things aren't major, just small events which test my patience; what I will call being in my cloud moments. When things aren't clear or don't make sense or don't go as planned we can feel as though we're in a cloud; unable to see what's going on around us or what's ahead of us. Working ourselves out of the cloud takes patience, sometimes lots of patience.

On our life's journey we are sometimes led into the cloud. We might not know where we are or where we're headed. Our instincts tell us to run in any direction until the cloud clears. The truth is that it's in the cloud God hopes to meet us. If we can stay in one place, sit quietly, and recognize that God is with us, we have a better chance of coming out of that cloud facing the right direction to move forward in our life.

I eventually got to take my nap, and oh was it a good one. I also enjoyed the moments in the sun during my walk yesterday and right now my face is cleanly shaven. I made it through my cloudy moments, and so will you.