"When the air warms, it needs to push the cold out of the way", I tell them using my hands like air-masses, "and if that push is strong enough, as it knows how much you like summer and is in a hurry to come play with you", I say with a huge grin and gleam in my eye, "sometimes the heavier, colder air gets trapped up on top of the warmer air, then drops". I fill the tub with water and show them what happens if something falls fast, such as water down the drain. Then briefly explain how the earth spins and add, "due to the earth's rotation, it can swirl at times. The big contrasts of air temperatures", I blow my breath on a nearby window to show vapor, "make for the bigger clouds, and the rubbing of air-masses can make shocks".

"All very simplified, more to it than that, but if not for those events", I explain with sincerity, "all life would end". But I tell them I'm so happy that things are exactly the way they are so old dead branches are cleared and add to the compost, rain washes away the old, feeds the earth, birds eat, rivers flow, and through all this, I add, "it even has a special surprise just for you". "Just for me?", they react with surprise. "Yes, next time a storm comes, you'll see, it'll be fun", and I simply end the topic, as I do have a nasty habit of going on and on.

Next storm, kids excited, I review all safety measures, such as basement if things suddenly become dangerous, stay off the phone, don't get too close to windows, and discuss the odds, telling them how rare it is that anyone gets hurt in storms. Also, I discuss the reality that some life does die, some do get hurt, yet it's the risk we take for life, the bigger picture, and we do all that we can to make things as safe as possible.

"So what's the surprise?", my son queries. I entice them by saying, "First, get your swimsuits on, then we'll safely watch the storm from inside"! They wonder if we'll go to the pool or lake afterward. I calmly assure them during the storm, describing the miracle of life we are witnessing, how safe we really are, how excited the birds are as they hide, anticipating the new food that will jump out of the earth.

Then once the lightning had ended and all danger passed, I suddenly bolt out the front door and begin splashing like a madman in a huge puddle created near the end of the yard! They run out, we all splash and giggle together, and when going back in the house to dry off, my daughter runs up to me and says, "Papa...that was no Thunderstorm...that was a Funderstorm"!

Benefits: Seeing the bigger picture, letting go, enjoying that which many do not enjoy; less stress, accepting risk for a bigger cause, letting God control and not us, enjoying a good splash in a puddle at any age, and applying lessons learned to the many storms in life's journey.

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