A Storm Rolls In

There it is in the distance.

Moving towards my life.

Not wanting to give way to fear.

But unsure of how to do that at times.

Watching and waiting as another storm rolls in.

It's threatening even from miles away.

With intensity that stirs up such passionate emotions

in me.

Despite the forward swirling movement, there is beauty unfolding.

Right next to me.

Close.

Grabbing my attention.

And, then...seemingly out of nowhere

the storm makes its presence known.

Blinding.

Slinging hit after hit.

Blustering its way in me

 over me

and even through me.

And I start surviving.

Blinking furiously to ward off the rain.

Purposely sitting taller in an effort to bully the storm away from me.

Pressing my shoulders back in defiance against the wind.

I will not give in.

I will not back down.

It is only a storm.

And 

it 

will 

pass.

With the onslaught over, I release my warrior stance. 

 and look up.

There is a gift.  

The kind of gift that only comes after storms pass.

No matter the size or strength of the storm

the gift is always there.

The rainbow pushing through the backdrop of darkness.

And, I see the beauty of change.

Gently making its way in me.

Over me.

And even through me.