The Worth Of Knowing

I stared at the sky full of brooding, dark clouds and said with a sigh, “It looks like it’s about to rain. I guess I won’t be able to go.”

My friend looked out the same window for a moment and replied, “The sun’s peaking out through the clouds over there. I’ve gone out on days like this – it’s going to be fine. Always look for the silver lining,” she smiled as she motioned me to the door.

Maybe I’m too pessimistic, I thought as I slowly reached for the doorknob. I felt hand rest on my shoulder.

“I heard you say you think it will rain,” said a gentle, but firm voice.

I looked over my shoulder and you were looking at me with curiosity.

“Yeah, but it’ll be fine. There’s a silver lining so it can’t rain, right?”

“You’ve seen skies like this before haven’t you?” you asked patiently even though you knew the answer full well.

“Yeah,” I said slowly, “but what if it’s different this time? Maybe it won’t rain.”

“Maybe. But a silver lining doesn’t change the fact that rest of the sky is full of rain clouds,” you reminded gently, “You can stay here as long as you want and go out whenever you are ready. Wait until the storm passes. Or wait until you’re prepared to go out in the rain. I’ll stay here with you.”

A lump of gratitude filled my throat. Not gratitude for a silver lining, but for your presence through the storm.

Gratitude that God doesn’t merely give us silver linings, but His presence through the storm.