I woke up to the sound of Storm Frances battering against our bedroom window this morning. We have been told to expect heavy rain and high winds all of today and into tomorrow. It was dark, cold and I really didn’t want to get out of bed. But needs must so when the alarm clock sounded at 6 a.m. it was time to stumble out from under the sanctuary of the duvet and face another day. Life doesn’t guarantee beautiful, tranquil sunrises every day.
It’s late August but feels more like October at present. So as I stood huddled under cover at Platform 3 awaiting the express train to Belfast, I was glad of my jumper and waterproof anorak. I wasn’t going to win any fashion awards but at least I was warm and dry. I didn’t look out of place amongst my fellow travellers, either, who were equally well kitted out. We had come prepared and that’s half the battle during a storm.
It was the same when we thankfully boarded the more pleasant climes of the train. Everybody was wearing a mask and keeping their distance from one another. Nobody sat beside me and I felt safe and relaxed. The conductor was also wearing a mask and a tannoy announcement stressed the importance of adhering to social distancing measures in light of the ongoing pandemic. Everyone knew the drill. We were prepared.
There’s no need to panic or feel out of your depth if you come prepared. It’s not rocket science and often doesn’t require a great deal of forethought. All you have to do is think ahead and make sure you have what you need to overcome the next obstacle in your path. Be it your faith, fitness or any other manner of personal challenges if you bring along the correct tools you will invariably muddle through. There’s a a lot to said for muddling through.
Black Thoughts 
I hated those mornings – wet and windy! Horrible. Let’s hope the storm passes quickly and the sun comes out to cheer everyone up. I’m also glad to read that your fellow passengers are adhering to the rules. 👍👍
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Pressing on, muddling through. Much of life is putting one foot in front of the other. Wash, rinse, repeat. I like that you emphasize the value of preparation. Prepare and then do. There is life in the space between our highlights and low points.
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Wise words. Thank you 😊
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This is very timely, and I enjoyed entering your train ride from across the ocean. Your description really made me feel like I was there, which is really nice since we are unable to travel at this time. I lived in Glasgow many years ago, and I remember the rainy weather in the UK. I don’t miss that, but I do miss many things about living there. Thanks for the post and stay dry!
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You’re most welcome. Thank you for travelling with me 🙂
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I’m sorry it was such a lousy morning but I’m glad you stayed as warm and dry as you could. While I agree that we can always do our best to be prepared, sometimes life knocks us off our feet no matter how well we prepare. But regardless if we muddle through the tough times they will eventually end and we’ll see the sun again.
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Yes. Often, muddling is the only way. Thank you for reading 🙂
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We have been getting rain due to the hurricanes in the gulf. Hope it dries up for you soon.
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Much better here today, Amanda. Thank you.
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We have the opposite weather in Illinois – no rain for a while, and it’s been so hot and humid that you sweat just standing outside. I’ve been enjoying the mornings outside, anyway! Stay safe in the storm!
Preparation by studying God’s Word has definitely helped me muddle through some big questions I’ve faced. At the time, the answer may be clear as mud. In hindsight, I can see the truth.
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Thank you. Are you still working out in the mornings with Super Mum? 😉
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Yep! Rowan, my little brother, joins us many mornings now.
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Muddling on is a good expression for some of the days this year. In early August we had Storm Isaias here. It knocked out our power for a week. Trees down all across our state. I’m so grateful for the electric company workers who worked through the nights to sort things out. My husband and I still find bits of branches stuck in different odd places. It’s amazing how much we rely on electricity. Best wishes.
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Thank you. Glad you guys survived the storm ⛈
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Perspective is powerful. If we can see getting out of bed on a cold stormy morning as a victory, however small it may be, we can view it as one of the steps in the road to bigger successes.
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Thank you Hamish for the support 🙂
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