It’s another rainy day here at the hermitage. The skies have been heavy with dark clouds since yesterday evening as the effects of Hurricane Helene make their way through the state. The wind has been moderate for now, sometimes strong bending the trees on the shores of Normandy Lake, and the rain has been steady, soaking the earth.

The sound of the rain falling against the windows brings a certain stillness, a reminder of how small we are in the face of God’s creation. There’s something about these storms that make you pause and reflect—on the power of nature, on the fragility of life, and on the constant need for trust in the Lord’s providence. Hurricanes like Helene remind me how quickly things can change. The calm that was here just a few days ago has been replaced by the rush of wind and rain. Yet, even in this, there is a kind of peace. The storm outside mirrors the storms we face in life, and much like we take shelter during the rain, we seek refuge in Christ the Good Shepherd during our trials.

Today the hermitage feels even more isolated than usual. The rain muffles every sound, and the lake is a little swollen, its waters reaching up higher than they normally do. But it is a good time for quiet prayer and reflection, for diving deeper into the Scriptures and for sitting in the presence of God without distractions.

I’ll be keeping everyone affected by Hurricane Helene in my prayers. I pray for safety for those in its path and for God’s protection over all His people.

As the rain continues to fall, let us all remember that in every storm—both in nature and in life—God remains our steadfast shelter.