The Changing Winds

Last week, I drove from Nashville to Bowling Green, Ky to visit my mother at her memory care facility. I was determined to get there despite the severe weather warnings all along the way. With gusts reaching hurricane force, I saw overturned trucks, trees down in the road, powerline poles snapped, and disabled traffic lights. At one point at the top of an exit ramp, my vehicle was being battered so badly it felt like a major earthquake. Despite all the chaos, I was able to see my mom and made it back safely.

Two days later, my wife and I took a short stroll in the woods near our house. The wild azaleas and other wildflowers were making their spring appearance. As we walked the trail, we noticed a yellow Eastern Swallowtail butterfly gently gliding along the blooms. The sense of peace and beauty was breathtaking.

The stark contrast between the two days captured my attention. Air, depending on circumstances and conditions, can wear a whole spectrum of masks. On any given day, we are never sure which wind we will encounter. The destructive effects of a storm reveal that we need to be prepared for the worst at times. However, in the tough times, we need to remember that, eventually, the gentle breezes will blow again.