Have you ever sat by a quiet pond and noticed how the water reflects the sky perfectly when there is no wind? In those moments of stillness, we learn about clarity, peace, and the beauty of our own thoughts. But then, a sudden thunderstorm rolls in, the wind whips the surface into whitecaps, and everything becomes chaotic. Willa Cather’s words remind us that while the calm teaches us how to be, the storm teaches us how to survive. Both states of being are essential classrooms for the soul, offering different lessons that we simply cannot grasp if we only experience one or the other.
In our everyday lives, we often find ourselves praying for the storm to pass, wishing we could stay in the sunny, predictable patches of our existence. We learn how to be kind and patient when things are going well, but those are easy lessons. The real, gritty wisdom comes when things fall apart. It is in the middle of a difficult season—perhaps a loss, a failure, or a period of intense uncertainty—that we discover the true depth of our resilience. We learn what we are actually made of when the wind is blowing hard against us.
I remember a time when I felt like my little nest was being tossed around by a gale. Everything felt overwhelming, and I couldn't see the path forward. I was so focused on the lightning and the thunder that I felt lost. But as the days passed, I realized that the storm was stripping away the things that weren't important, leaving behind a much stronger version of myself. I learned how to find my footing even when the ground felt shaky. It wasn't a comfortable lesson, but it was perhaps the most profound one I have ever received.
So, if you are currently navigating a turbulent patch of life, please try to be gentle with yourself. Do not resent the rain or the wind, even though they are difficult to endure. Instead, try to ask yourself what this particular weather is trying to teach you. Are you learning about boundaries, or strength, or perhaps the importance of seeking shelter in loved ones? There is wisdom waiting for you in the clouds, just as there is beauty waiting for you in the sunlight. Take a deep breath, stay grounded, and trust that you are growing through every single drop of rain.