Friday morning is my regular group cycling event. It’s a very informal group, usually between 2 and 10 of us. We usually contact each other sometime on Thursday evening to see who is available to go out. Of course, the decision to go out for a bike ride is very weather dependent. We don’t like it too hot, or too cold, too windy or too wet. Otherwise we’re not fussy!
On this particular Friday, the weather forecast – (as most people know, very reliable), predicted rain sometime in the afternoon. So we set off around 9am, under a grey but dry sky. We arrived at our destination around an hour later. Coffee is obligatory, cake optional.
As we finished our coffee, the sky darkened, and the drizzle started. By the time we were ready to set off for the return journey the drizzle had turned to heavy rain. “The forecast says it should pass over in about 10 minutes” one of our group cheerfully announced. Another member of the group looked rather sheepish as she announced she had forgotten to bring any rain gear.
Being hardy ladies we set off in the hope that the rain would soon stop.
But no, an hour later the rain was just as heavy, our feet were soggy in shoes filled with water, even those of us with raingear were soaked through, and I wished for windscreen wipers on my glasses. We eventually reached home, with the reward of a hot shower and a dry change of clothes.
What do we have to help us through the storms of life? Do we carry protection with us or do we think we can manage on our own? Sometimes the storm may soon pass or become set in for much longer. We may not be able to see the way clearly ahead. But we can be assured that, just as we took comfort in knowing that we were companions travelling together, we have one who travels with us through wind and rain, and who never abandons us. We have one who will bring us safely home to the rewards of eternal life.
Prayer: Gracious God, we so often think we can travel through life in our own strength, and ignore the warnings you give us. We sometimes struggle to see the road ahead, but you make the way clear. We may feel we are drowning in the downpours that hit us, but through your Son we are brought safely to dry ground. Thank you for your love, your power and your protection. Help us to travel safely along life’s byways and bring us safely home at the end of our journey. AMEN