Contentment In Rough Waters

My rowing club has started its training program for the summer sprint races. The workouts are long (over an hour) and hard. This morning, there were high winds that made the water in Long Island Sound rough and difficult to row on. We were also buffeted by wakes of several oyster and lobster boats leaving the harbor for a day of fishing.

When I jokingly complained to the coach about the rough conditions he said, "This will make you appreciate the calm water up river." Since the river is protected by high banks, the wind was blocked and we had flat water for the last mile of our workout.

This rowing experience contains some truths about living. Often, we are more grateful for the "calm" times after a challenging time of difficulty. The times of loss, deprivation and suffering enhance our appreciation for the times of abundance, contentment and relief from suffering.

The spiritual challenge woven into the above is to be able to experience gratitude in the stormy times. It's easy to be grateful when things are going smoothly. But, when we have to experience "rough water" times, being grateful is challenging. The key is to cultivate an attitude of gratitude that transcends our life circumstances. Grounding our gratitude in a lasting relationship with God is one way to sustain it.

The Apostle Paul was able to write these words from prison, "I have learned to be content with whatever I have..." Paul's strong relationship with God was the basis of his contentment in every circumstance. He provides a clue for us to learn the secret of contentment in stormy times.

Foul Weather Spirituality

After the powerful northeaster that hit Connecticut on Saturday we're enjoying a stretch of delightful weather: sunny and in the 60's. This feels like a reward for enduring a storm that knocked out power to thousands and resulted in six deaths.

I've been pondering the question of why it's so much easier to engage in spiritual practices in nice, calm weather. When it's sunny and pleasant, enjoying the outdoors and enjoying its beauty isn't difficult. However, storms are challenging for spirituality.

I think the issue is one of focus. In inclement weather, our focus is on things like getting to a safe place and yearning for our electricity to be restored. We're paying so much attention to the physical necessities of life, it's difficult to pay attention to the things that feed our souls.

Yet, there is something to be said for the "dark night of the soul"-- those times that challenge our resolve and test our faith. These are times when we have the opportunity to grow spiritually. Someone has said that character is shaped on the anvil of adversity.

Still, I enjoy the calmer, sunnier times. When the storms come, however, I want to see the soul-strengthening opportunities in them.