the sun returns and with his smile

Big storms were predicted for today … and not being a master of the weather … they could still come.  But the sun is shining this morning.  What a welcome sight after days of rain and gloom!

 The storm hath passed;
        I hear the birds rejoice; the hen,
        Returned into the road again,
        Her cheerful notes repeats. The sky serene
        Is, in the west, upon the mountain seen:
        The country smiles; bright runs the silver stream.
        Each heart is cheered; on every side revive
        The sounds, the labors of the busy hive.
        The workman gazes at the watery sky,
        As standing at the door he sings,
        His work in hand; the little wife goes forth,
        And in her pail the gathered rain-drops brings;
        The vendor of his wares, from lane to lane,
        Begins his daily cry again.
        The sun returns, and with his smile illumes
        The villas on the neighboring hills;
        Through open terraces and balconies,
        The genial light pervades the cheerful rooms;
        And, on the highway, from afar are heard
        The tinkling of the bells, the creaking wheels
        Of waggoner, his journey who resumes.
~ Leopardi

The poet’s description made me smile … how all of life resumes … after the storm.  Makes you wonder a bit what life was like during the storm.

Those storms of life … those hard places … we each have them … some of us are currently struggling in the midst of various personal or professional storms.   Do we retreat inward – as the poet hints?  For those on the outside looking in … watching the storms come and go in our lives … what do they see?  How might they write the poetry of our lives?

The old hymn says … Many times Satan whispered, “There is no need to try,  For there’s no end of sorrow, there’s no hope by and by; But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I’ll rise where the storms never darken the skies.”

I am grateful for the sunshine this morning, for the calm inside and out.  I know more storms are on the way … but I can trust my God in the midst of them … and rejoice … and sing … and wait for the sun to shine!

Sing to the Lord, O you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.  …  Weeping may endure for a night (the storms of life), but joy comes in the morning.  ~ Amplified version of Psalm 30:4-5