Last week I was feeling very concerned for my friend who lives in Scotland – as a very bad storm had been predicted – and she was alone – in a new house – in a new area – and so understandably – she was concerned.

What I hadn’t realised at the time though – was that we would get the storm too – and so – I was very surprised – and a little perturbed – when heavy rain began to flood the road outside our house.

We watched from inside as the water rose up to the front gate – and every time a vehicle drove through at speed – the water raced towards the front door.

However – as we began to get anxious the phone rang – and it was from a neighbour – who was ringing to check if we were ok and promising us that she would try to get help to us in some way.

There had been a couple of men connected with the river authority – who came by – having been to check on the nearby streams – but – they offered no help – and didn’t hold out much hope of anyone coming to our aid – as there were many properties in far more danger of serious flooding that ours.

Imagine our delight when two local farmers appeared – showing great concern – and immediately taking measures to do all they could to protect us.

Not only did they bring and position hay bales by the front door – but then set too – along with other neighbours – to clear some of the drainage – allowing at least a little of the water to drain away.

This whole experience left us with – ‘nothing but gratitude’ – for the way we had been helped and supported – and certainly feeling much more fortunate than many others in the surrounding areas – and in fact all over the country.

As always – I found myself drawing parallels from life – for – most of us will encounter ‘storms’ – at some point. Times when we feel overwhelmed – fearful – when the ‘winds’ almost blow us over – when we feel as though we are ‘drowning’ – and – we need help. We need others to come alongside. We need others to show that they care. And we need those who can – and do – offer their help – to get us through – to make us feel safe again.

I pause – to consider how often I reach out to those that are going through their own storms – and I have to admit that I am not always quick to help – even if it’s simply to let them know that I care – and – wherever I can – offer to help – even in some small way.

In fact – it’s often simply a case of just – ‘being there – as this quote says – “When the storms of life hit – we all weather them differently – and we can be quick to offer others advice and suggestion from our point of view – but often – what that person needs most – is someone to listen – and someone to offer a safe space – to be heard and held – that – love and warmth can be a shelter – a refuge in the pain – from the unrelenting rain – storming their senses”.

Blessings – Lois