I suppose I am weird.

I love thunderstorms. I’m not speaking of the severe thunderstorm that turns into a destructive tornado. I’m speaking of the thunderstorm that lights up the sky and crashes with dramatic claps of impressive thunder. From the time I was a little boy sitting on the porch steps with my mommy listening to the approaching sounds of the thunderstorm rolling into Western New York until now as an old man, I enjoy the rip-roaring thunderstorms of Ohio. It reminds me of a verse of Scripture and two departments’ employees that I shall call Marshall and Carol.

“God understandeth the way thereof, and He knoweth the place thereof. When He made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder: Then did He see it, and declare it; He prepared it, yea, and searched it out. And unto man He said, Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding” (Job 28:23, 26-28).

Marshall and Carol love the Lord, and they work in the same department in a very large firm. Not only do they share their love for the Lord and His Word, they both enjoy trivia and being challenged by each other several times a week just before business hours begin. This time was Carol’s turn. She emailed Marshall, saying, “We know that the book of Job contains several references to the amazing power of the Lord as demonstrated by His sending out lightning. So, my friend, here is my trivia question for tonight. According to traveltrivia.com, about how many times each year does lightning strike the Empire State Building?

A. Is it about two times per year?
B. Is it about ten times per year?
C. Is it about twenty-three times per year?
D. Is it seventy-four times per year?”

Marshall guessed B, but he was wrong! According to NYC Microseasons, the Empire State Building is struck, on average, twenty-three times per year! It was fun playing, but once again he was reminded of the Lord’s awesome power as seen in the thunder and lightning.

For today: We don’t need a thunderstorm to remind us of the awesome power of our great God; however, the next time you see the flash of lightning, stop and think, “My Father made that!” and be blessed.