Praise You In This Storm.

This time last night, we were huddled in our tent while the wind whipped around us and rain fell like never-ending bullets on the tent. The children slept well, and we were dry and safe. The husband and I kept vigil, half-expecting the tent to rip or spring a leak at any moment. 

We called the after-hours number at the holiday park to hatch a backup plan should we need to evacuate our tent and seek shelter. They kindly offered us use of the TV lounge, which they kept open through the night in case we needed it for shelter. Thankfully, we didn't. Our tent held up well. 

When there was nothing more to be done, prayer was our recourse as the hours crawled by and the storm raged. We prayed harder than we've ever prayed before... 8 full rosaries between the two of us over the course of the night. It took a cyclone for us to realise how much more we can and should be doing in our prayer lives. We pray a daily decade together, and have long suffered an inertia to doing more. 

Our little epiphany as we sat on opposite ends of the tent, keeping watch:

This morning, there was a duck outside our tent, enjoying the water-logged site. We, on the other hand, have moved out from the holiday park and checked into a motel to regroup, dry our things and ride out the rest of the wild weather. It's been a huge learning experience, in spite of it all. The husband is just glad to be within 4 solid walls for awhile!  

At the motel: First things first. 

When all is said and done, it seems that God needed to put us into a storm for us to finally get moving in our prayer life. Harsh, but it worked. We are committing to a daily rosary together. 

"I was sure by now

God, You would have reached down

And wiped our tears away

Stepped in and saved the day

But once again, I say, "Amen" and it's still raining... 

And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm"

- Praise You In This Storm, by Casting Crowns