Broken Umbrella Lessons

The wise person buys an umbrella before the rain begins.

Last Sunday, it was pouring down rain when it was time for church. At one point in my life, I had a stack of umbrellas. Somehow that stack has dwindled down to one and that one is broken. It no longer pops out when I push the button and one of the little metal pieces has come unattached from the material, so it doesn’t even completely cover me. I get wet even when I have it.

Now umbrellas cost less than ten dollars at Walmart, where I am unfortunately, shopping like once a week. Why, you may wonder, don’t I just pick one up when I’m there?

That’s a fair question. Here’s the answer: “I only think about needing an umbrella when it’s raining.”

It’s silly and short-sighted; I know. I mean seriously, It’s always going to rain at some point. Right? Why would I choose not to prepare?

My rainy Sunday got me to thinking about other areas in my life that might need umbrella attention. Sure, there are things like keeping around ibuprofen for unplanned aches and pains and as my family’s recent bout with flu taught me, cough medicine, throat lozenges, Kleenex and Clorox wipes. But, I was reminded of the spiritual realm too.

I’ve learned in my faith walk that in order to stay close to God, I have to read a little bit of His Word everyday and I have to take a little intentional prayer time. When I make those disciplines a priority, I’m covered when the spiritual storms come.

And make no mistake, they always come. There will always be times of sickness, hardship, discouragement and strife. This broken world is full of cliffs and valleys. For us to think they are never going to happen to us is incredibly foolish. Jesus even told us Himself we would have troubles on this side of eternity.

But, if we are prepared, if our faith is in tact and our foundation is strong, we can weather them without too much damage.

Jesus also said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

The trick is to be prepared before the storm. We can absolutely look for and find Jesus in the midst of it, but it’s so much easier when we were already close by His side. The peace that comes from already knowing Him is an amazing comfort in times of earthly trials.

A broken umbrella on a rainy day, reminded me to always be prepared both physically and spiritually for life’s storms. Perhaps you needed reminded too.

Have an awesome day!

Wendy 🙂