Six months ago this evening, I nearly stepped on this rattle snake as I jumped out of our John Deere tractor. I was wanting to finish planting a field of wheat before it started to rain. I did not accomplish that goal and as I unhitched the grain drill... the snake never moved. It just lay there coiled ever so tightly. I never once heard it give the characteristic rattle either. I used a pitchfork that Rachel had brought me to pick it up and again something quite peculiar... the rattler's tail was vibrating ever so fast and yet no sound. It was beginning to rain and it was time to head home. Twelve hours later, the rain turned to snow and together with the wind... A STORM was birthed. Our lives would be forever changed.

Some call it Atlas, some call it the Cattleman's Blizzard and for many of us, it will ever be "The Storm". What was to ensue was a terrible loss and yet for those of us that have endured "The Storm" we have also realized something to gain. Certainly we do not take for granted anything or anyone. Perhaps our hearts ache more for others during painful times, but equally they rejoice as well.

"We are tired". I have told many that were not in "The Storm" that they will never fathom what took place. I know that for certain, because most of us that were in the midst of "The Storm" still cannot fathom it yet. It is almost surreal. And yet, we see evidence continually that "The Storm" impacted us greatly.

The Rattler in this story had the potential of being a silent killer of my own being that evening six months ago. And "The Storm" proved to be just that to many creatures across these vast hills and plains. And yet I survive and not only I. Today, I give testimony to ONE that is greater than any "Storm". And certainly God Almighty can sustain me. Storms of Life will happen. I am thankful that I know the ONE that can calm any tempest that comes our way.