Living in the Midwest, we have plenty of flat land. The rich soil is perfect for growing crops. From the sky, the fields look like a checkers board. It is beautiful in it's simplicity. We can sometimes see for miles. One thing our farmland does not provide is windbreak.
This week we are seeing bitter winter temperatures. I am grateful there has been very little wind. Without the wind, the bitter is tolerable for the few minutes between vehicles and destination. If it turns windy... bitter becomes brutal. I don't love the cold, but I know it could be worse. It is the perfect day to celebrate no wind.
I found this "no wind" quote from the philosopher, Seneca:
"If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable." - Seneca
There are times we don't know which way to go. Without direction, the wind can push us places we do not want to go. It is good to choose our destination, instead of letting ourselves be pushed one direction or another.
When you have free will, choice is our super power... if we choose wisely. Wise decisions do not come naturally to most humans. We need to seek guidance. The Almighty longs for us to seek his face in the wind, in the storm, in the earthquakes, in the pandemics, in the fires and every other moment we find fear rising.
I am reminded of Elijah retreating to the mountains because an angry Jezebel and Ahab wanted him dead. God had just displayed his power in front of the prophets of Baal with Elijah as his spokesperson. Baal worship was rooted in sensuality. It flaunted ritualistic prostitution in the temples. Appeasing Baal, at times, required human sacrifice. Typically, the firstborn child of the one making the sacrifice. Everyone did what felt good to them. Their evil ways had angered the Lord. It led to their destruction. Ahab and Jezebel's furry caused Elijah to flee to the mountain. These verses speak to my heart:
"and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. " -1 Kings 19:11-12
I have always loved that God was in the whisper. He is a master of fanfare, but he was in the still soft voice. Not the wind. It reminds me to quiet my heart and keep listening.
Today, I am grateful for no wind.
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