My dad told me once, "Your mom and I have learned to weather the storms of life together."  I didn't think too much about it then, but  as I celebrated my 30th wedding anniversary on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building in the midst of a powerful storm, I was reminded of that comment.  This storm was unbelievable:  Chicago and Lakeshore Drive disappeared below us as the lightening, wind, and rain gave a spectacular show.  Ironically, Gary and I sat there at our window table, continued to enjoy our meal, unaffected by the storm.   The building was steady, and before we knew it, the storm had passed.  That storm, that is... it would be a few hours later that another storm would hit Chicago causing the roads to flood and houses to be destroyed.   Our home in Oak Lawn would be one of those to receive the brunt of the storm.   We received a call at 6:00 the next morning.  My son wanted to know who he should call to get the water out of the downstairs family room.  While my husband drove home through the flooded Chicago roads, I watched from the 8th floor of the Drake Hotel the sailboats on Lake Michigan.  What were these people thinking?  How could they just continue to "sail on the lake" when others were devastated?  I watched in awe as I saw people begin to line the beach, joggers and bicyclers passing each other on the coast walk, and convertibles cruising the roads.  When my husband returned to tell me the roads were flooded, and the family room would have to be renovated, my first comment was, " We need to go home and take care of  this now."  Gary replied, "Listen, this isn't the first storm we've been through and it won't be last.  We have a dinner cruise tonight and we are going to have fun."  Yes, the storms of life... they happen over and over again.  I guess I've learned a thing or two from the two good men in my life:  It isn't the storm that gets you; it's how you handle the storm that counts.  With this in mind, we enjoyed our dinner cruise on Lake Michigan and laughed the night away, reflecting on 30 wonderful years of marriage.  Near the end of the cruise I saw a flash of light in the southern skies.  I questioned a crew member only to be told, "Yes, we are going to get a storm.  But do not worry, this is a strong ship and we are perfectly safe. Besides, it won't hit until we are nearly docked."  I had to smile to myself as I heard my dad say, "Lynda, you just have to ride these things out."  Gary and I finished off the evening listening to the band sing, "It's Gonna be a Good NIght Tonight."  Yes, it would be.  The storm wouldn't change a thing:  We were in a safe ship.  This ship was called determination and commitment and it would carry us through. 

I have learned many great things from my dad, but this lesson is one of the best.  My hope for all of us as parents is that we learn to  hold steady in life, weather the storms with the ones we love, and remember, eventually the lake will be clear for sailing.  Storms do not last forever, but the Grace and Mercies of our Lord Jesus Christ never cease.  The wind can blow, but His faithfulness can't be shaken.  With these thoughts in mind, I challenge each of us to teach these lessons to our children so they, in turn, can teach them to their children.    That's enough to take all of through the next thirty years.