This picture was taken at Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge a day before the first “Blue Norther” of the 2019-20 season. As you can see by the reflections in the water, the sky was absolutely clear. The winds were breathlessly still. The only ripples on the pond were from the scattered Coots and Gallinules gliding across the surface. The rest of the ducks and other waterfowl had not yet made their annual journey south. They were still enjoying the last days of warm weather up North. But things were about to change and we, like those soon-to-arrive birds and I, were enjoying the last days of Fall before everything began to change. A Blue Norther was due. It was one last bit of stillness before the storms began to roll in.
Some of you may not be familiar with the phrase “Blue Norther.” It is a Texas thing, but they are part of life for the Late Fall and Winter in my home state. Several things happen when a Blue Norther approaches. The winds die down and the temps become unseasonably warm. And the northern sky grows darker and darker. A wall of clouds on the horizon turn a deep, deep blue. When it hits, the winds can blow with gusts exceeding 40 MPH. The temperature will to drop as much as 20-30 degrees in a couple of hours. Wikipedia describes a Blue Norther of November 1911 that “spawned multiple tornadoes and dropped temperatures 40 degrees in only 15 minutes and 67 degrees in 10 hours, a world record.” When a Blue Norther arrives, we Texans know that winter has come.
The good news is that these storms cannot sneak up on us. They are too massive and appear on the weather maps days in advance. From November – March, weather wise Texans will recognize the signs and realize what is coming. This period is the proverbial “calm before the storm.” This is a special time, sacred time. It is a time to enjoy the day while not allowing coming storm to dampen our joy. Yes, there may be some preparations to be made like wrapping the water pipes and protecting the flower beds, but it is also a time for even more important things. It is time to celebrate the gifts of this holy time. It is time to enjoy the stillness, the light, and the patience that will help us to harvest the joy that comes in these precious moments.
The first gift is stillness. I suffer for a lack of stillness in my life. Our lives are filled with “Hustle and Bustle” busyness. There is always a to do list begging for a checkmark. Sometimes, I become so addicted to my busy-ness that I make up stuff to do just to fill the void created by my empty schedule. But the stillness of the calm, especially when I realize that it will soon disappear, offers a moment to step back and marvel at the life that surrounds and fills my life.
When I speak of stillness, I am not necessarily talking about being alone or in silence. Stillness appears even when we find ourselves immersed in a noisy, crowded life. Stillness is about that inner state where the soul has become quiet, open, and receptive to the world within and around us. It is a moment when the inner chatter falls silent and our bodies feel safe and secure in our time and place. It is a time when the anxiety and worries are bathed in the reassuring glow of hope. Such moments are rare and exquisitely comforting, especially when we know that things are about to change. Real stillness is a gift beyond measure for those who are able to step into its calming presence.
But, such stillness needs support from two other gifts, light and patience.
Light offers the opportunity to see things as they are rather than hidden in the murky shadows our wants and desires. I am very skilled at deluding myself so that I see what I want or need to see. Unfortunately, many of these wants and needs rise from my fears and the things that foster anxiety and dread. When facing a storm my vision may be solely focused on the clouds on the horizon. My mind and heart may be stuck in the “What ifs….” My Mind may become captive to what might be rather than open to “What is.” My Soul may become filled with anxiety as my fears ramp up into overdrive. If this is all I see and feel, then I will miss the beauty and opportunity that the existing moment of stillness offers.
However, with enough light I can see past my fears and take in the world as it is. I do not need to protect myself against my imagined challenges. I can see and receive the calm waters and reflections of the world in its stilled surface. Light allows me to see clearly that which is obscured by my inner self. It allows me to listen for the outer stillness rather than become trapped in responding to my inner chaos. Light makes the world plain if we have the “eyes” to see it.
However, seeing this light depends on the third gift of stillness, patience.
Patience allows us to be unhindered and unhurried by our anxieties and fears. When we find patience, the coming storm does not disturb our ability to sit with the stillness of this day. It gives us the space to bask in the light of those moments. It sets aside any thoughts of trying to seize control of our situation and alter the “not yet.” Patience is the willingness to let the flow of time surround and hold you in this moment. It allows the moment to fill our spirit with the calm before the storm. Patience allows us to build up the reserves we will need to face and endure the coming storm. It enables us to replenish our resolve to walk through whatever challenges lay before us with the calm a lingers within our spirit.
When the Blue Northers appear on the horizon and you find yourself becalmed, take the time to celebrate the stillness and light with patience. Receive this moment as a gift to yourself for in it you will find joy beyond measure.
Blessings,
Bob