Noah expected the flood -
he prepared (and he built) for its coming.
The pounding of rain and the beats of his heart
were in sync like a drummer's song drumming.
The beat never wavered, the rain didn't stop -
while the ark kept them safe, warm, and dry.
Noah knew God would be their salvation.
But what of the days drifting by?
Would there be any doubt of God's promise
when the waters weren't quick to retract?
Would a righteous man question God's wisdom
on such an extreme judgment act?
Perhaps there were questions he pondered,
while giving his family assurance.
But might he have questioned the sojourn
in terms of his human endurance?
Did doubts ever breach the equation,
though God had assured them his care?
Did fear ever sneak in the window -
which disclosed no land anywhere?
Did patience wear thin in the waiting,
not seeing an end to this phase?
Was conflict or discord an issue
those 300-something long days?
Like Noah, we know there'll be torrents -
that flooding will sometimes ensue.
But in those long periods of waiting,
the question is 'what will we do?'
Will we fret or complain or throw tantrums
or lash out at loved ones nearby?
Will we obey the Lord without question
though circumstances go awry?
Will we heed to the naysayers' voices
when the Father has told us 'stay put'
or willingly give up our courage
when trouble or trials are afoot?
Or...watch for His rainbow of goodness,
for the moment we once reach the shore -
and keep looking for beams of redemption
to pour in when He opens the door?
