|
 |
H O
W A R D U N I
V E R S I T Y Faces & Voices IV AN ANTHOLOGY OF VERSE AND PROSE The
Storm That Brought Peace Have you ever had one of those days when you have so many tasks to complete, so many thoughts on your mind that you don’t even know where to start or what to do first? I remember having many days like that during my senior year in high school, but one of them in particular stands out the most. It was a strenuous morning; I had already taken one quiz, delivered a five-minute speech, and participated in a heated oral discussion over the value of an individual’s life when compared to society. This was all before lunch, at the beginning of which I was burdened with the fact that I still had to take an hour-and-a-half test on acids and bases (justifiably rumored to be the “mother” of all chemistry exams). I said my ensuing exam was a burden at the beginning of lunch because by the end of lunch I no longer felt weighted by all the things that were consuming my mind. Something happened that day that I will never forget. There had been a storm approaching for most of the morning – the covered skies and humid air did nothing to help my mood – and by lunchtime the clouds were filled to the brim and were ready to tip over. First it started with a simple drizzle but that soon turned into a steady downpour and then into drenching rainfall. I was taking a casual stroll from the building my last class was in over to the cafeteria and as the rain started to intensify I started to look for cover, but something made me stop. I stopped – in the middle of the sidewalk with no umbrella and no apparent sense to those who passed me by for shelter – to look up. When I did I saw a sight I had never witnessed before in my life. All of a sudden, for what I know must have been only a few minutes, but for what seemed like days on end, I felt “light.” All the things that were so forcefully pulling on my mind finally lost their grip producing a slingshot effect that propelled my mind away from all the trials I had to face. I was untroubled, peaceful. I did not even feel the rain anymore; I just stood there and enjoyed my moment alone with God as He carefully encapsulated the earth in a light, but distinct shade of lime green that was a spectacle like no other. The sky wasn’t dark and depressing as I assumed it to be, but rather it was as if a jaded sheet of cellophane was wrapped around the thundering sky. How anything so beautiful could co-exist in such a hostile environment defies logic, but needless to say it was stunning. It was a sight that deserves more than words can convey. Somehow, looking so deep into the eyes of May made me feel like I was the only one to see past the storm to find God’s hidden beauty. It is moments like the one described above that I wish I had the opportunity to experience more often. Unfortunately, as is the case with most other individuals, I live my life “on the go.” My circumstances require it and I enjoy it most of the time, but I seldom have the chance to stop and clear my mind; to ponder and appreciate other things that might not be more important, but are equally as valuable to my existence. That emerald sky taught me the lesson to stop every once in a while and remember the things that make the earth more than just a supply of resources for our technological endeavors. Now, whenever I see an opportunity to propel my mind away from the norm – to use that slingshot effect – I take it without hesitation and with the comforting realization that the world will still be here when I get back. | |
|
|
|||
|
©
2000 Howard University. | |||
