Finding protection

YEARS AGO, we joined a retreat. It rained hard and it seemed like lightning was just outside our door.

We prayed to God for protection. The morning after, we learned that someone was struck by lightning and had died.

We were sad but grateful for the protection that we got. Indeed, it doesn’t hurt to turn to the Most Powerful Being for help.

Although a lightning bolt can kill, it also brings benefits—thunderstorms produce nitrogen for our gardens and farms.

Other lessons to be gleaned from ancient proverbs:

Whose life is as lightning, his words are as thunder. —Latin (Doers and movers speak with power.)

Thunderclouds do not always bring rain. —Armenian (Those who talk do not always follow through with action.)

The noise is so great that one cannot hear God’s thunder. —French (Too much talking distracts us from hearing spiritual truths.)

Big thunder, little rain. —English (Big talk, little action.)

A quiet conscience sleeps in thunder. —English (No guilt, no worry, no fear.)

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