Sleep Through Your Storm
／Hsaio Ching
A New England farmer off the coast of Maine could not find helpers who would stay through the winter months. The snow and winds were bad enough, but being off the Atlantic coast, the storms were almost always brutal. Too much to endure and clean up afterward.
However, one day an older man approached the farmer. This man was experienced, but he seemed psychically unqualified. He was slender and small. The farmer asked if he could handle the job year round, and the helper replied "I sleep through the storms, sir". Desperate, the farmer hired him.
Summer and fall turned out to be routine, and the new hire seemed to work out well. However, one night, the first dreaded winter storm erupted, and the farmer awaken frantic. Through the rain and howling wind, he ran to the helper's place and found him sound asleep.
He awoke him in anger and yelled, "What are you doing? The storm is here! Get up and help me!" The helper turned and said," Sir, remember, I said I sleep through the storms." He turned back in his bed and went back to sleep.
The farmer was furious but because of the storm planned to fire him the following day. He quickly ran out into the yard to begin the rituals of protection. As he went from barn to equipment, he saw that every gate and door was barred. Equipment was covered and tied down. The windows were paneled in wood, the animals safe inside with plenty of hay.
He returned to home realizing that because of his helper, he now could also sleep through the storm.
Be ready and the storm of life will not keep you anxious. Work hard, be prepared in God, so not only you but others around you will be able to enjoy rest.
