I love the mountains. So I was naturally a little disappointed yesterday as I approached Chattanooga to find the mountains blanketed in storm clouds. With rain sheeting down the windshield, splashed back and forth by the rapid swish of wipers, I saw something amazing. Powerful, gushing waterfalls erupted... roaring from the sides of the mountains all around us. They were beautiful. Twin strikes of lightning flashed simultaneously on either side of the road, and suddenly this girl, who loves a summer storm, wasn't so disappointed in the view. What had seemed limiting now became a gift. I was awed.
As we came back down the ridge, approaching the valley, the storm which had been so intense disappeared... left behind on the other side of the mountaintop. The sky was pristine... clear azure blue. Sun bathed the land. I smiled.
Long ago my dad shared a story with me by Ralph Hood... "Clear on Top." Ralph was a commercial pilot, and he shared an enlightening parallel between life and flying. No matter how challenging, how turbulent, how unclear the way may seem where you are... keep climbing. Push on. It's always clear on top.
So where ever you are today... I hope the sky is clear. But if it's not... look up. Climb higher. Clear skies wait. ... And if you are just a bit like me... you may even find you enjoy the storm.
From my heart,
Susan
