So I was at the beach this past weekend. Rick and Debi invited us to spend a couple of nights with them in their usual condo. (They rent a two bedroom two bath place right across the street from the beach every year, its a great place despite the 70's wallpaper and slightly cheesy decor) How could we say no!:) Anyways, as the kids were riding waves on their boogie boards with their daddy and Lauren was amazingly playing close by in the urine infested water I was watching the waves crashing, small at first and then bigger as time went on. I also took notice in the approaching storm, it was far in the distance but quickly and powerfully came closer to shore. The sky grew dark and you could begin to hear the thunder get louder. We decided of course that it was time to get back in doors and soon came the pounding rain. Much was put on hold while the storm took its place. Plans for the afternoon changed, but soon the rain stopped. I know you may be expecting me to say that next came the wonderful sun and it was shining and all was grand, but it didn't happen exactly that way. The rain came to a crescendo and slowly stopped, the dark clouds stayed for quite a while and when the wind blew what rain was left in the trees fell down. Everything was wet and soggy outside and pretty much undesirable. We didn't continue on with what we had planned because the storm change that. I guess sometimes I expect God to bring the sun out too early in the storm. When trials or circumstances come that are more then unpleasant I arrogantly think that now should be the end of the rain. But God in His wisdom knows that sometimes the dark clouds need to stay out longer, the wind still needs to blow and the aftermath of the rain will still come down periodically only so that in the end His name will be glorified, His kingdom will advance and the Majesty of the Lord will be displayed. I read this quote in a book, it said "The pain of our shattered plans is for the purpose of scattered grace." I wonder how far God's grace has been scattered lately? I love that in whatever manifestation suffering is in there is always God's sovereignty and that in the end His name is always proclaimed and glorified.