Light in the Storm

Capturing the moments of goodness

The image still lingers on in my mind. Around us, a storm is unleashing its fury. Tall trees sway above us, their leaves softening the sound of the downpour. Big raindrops fall heavy on the umbrella that Ron holds up over our heads. Everyone else has found shelter inside. But out here, our conversation continues despite the weather around us. Though the sky is dark, erasing the sun and blue skies of a moment ago, under the umbrella, our faces shine with laughter and friendship.

Earlier, we left Goshen on a sunny, muggy June Saturday, anticipating a nice drive south and a chance to see friends in their neck of the woods. The two-hour trip takes us through peaceful Indiana farmland and small towns, giving us a chance to unwind after a busy week. Down a side country road, we see cars parked along the edges. We follow suit and, with Sadie the dog in tow, we walk up the dirt lane of the John Peterson Pottery that hosts a yearly pottery spring sale and show.

Here, under the shade of trees, several wooden buildings and barns house displays of pottery. Some people sit around tables, listening to live music. Some stand around pottery wheels set out in the grass where an artist throws clay. Some cluster around the pots on display and the food table. Around the back corner of one of the buildings, I find our friend with a ball of clay in each hand. He’s helping with demonstrations. I head into one of the display areas and end up purchasing a couple of pieces: a beautifully glazed bitty bowl and a wonderfully shaped oil/vinegar carafe. Meanwhile, Jim and Sadie sit and listen to music.

From the John Peterson Pottery Instagram

As we peruse and chat, one then two then three raindrops fall amidst the sunny skies. But a low, steady rumble of thunder announces a front coming through. People start to head indoors and that’s when we end up under trees under the umbrella with our potter friend and his wife. As the dark clouds blacken the sky and the storm moves in, we stand there chatting, smiles on our faces. This is where the light is at the moment, underneath this small umbrella that barely covers us. It’s the light of friendship, of connecting with others, of the goodness of the world, captured in this moment right here. Maybe no one else notices it but I soak it in just as my shirt soaks in the rain.

Shortly after, we make a dash for the car with Sadie and drive away with my package of pottery safely tucked away. In a minute, we are out of the clouds and rain, back to Midwest sunny skies and a two-hour drive home. What remains with me is that moment of light captured under the umbrella. I hope you can capture one of those moments too.