What makes you tick? What gets up in the morning and adds a unique spring to your steps? What makes you smile… not that superficial thing we sometimes do to get by, but that feeling that sweeps across your being purifying your soul as joy flows right through you? What inspires you, that thing that keeps you going even when the world says no or everything appears to be against you? Yeah… that’s your thunder!

Life happens, and the best way to keep going is finding those things that gears you up, gets you excited and tap into it every now and then when you are rattled, shaken to your core, or almost consumed by happening in or around you. 

So what might your thunder be, perhaps it’s music because this relaxes you and helps you to reflect on situations in a way that’s devoid of external pressure? Or maybe it’s cooking. You may not know it, but cooking is very therapeutic and has the ability to give you perspective on issues. The focus that comes with cooking allows you to arrange your thoughts, while the notion of creating something makes one feel somewhat powerful.

What if it’s reaching out and helping people? This gives you a sense of oneness and wholeness that words cannot fully express. Ask anyone who is into humanitarian services; you will notice a glow about and around them and a joy that radiates even on a dark day. It might be the smile of your baby boy or girl, the warm embrace of a loved one, or the endearing words and words of encouragement from someone you hold in high esteem. It could also be your, hobby, pet, religion or a project you are excited about. 

Your thunder is usually unique to you and making a conscious effort to find it will go a long way. Some of the ways you can identify your thunder are how it makes you feel. Your thunder makes you happy and inspires you. It makes the sun shine even on a cloudy day and gives you a reason to live even when all hope is lost. Your thunder is usually not tied to monetary rewards or affluence, which is why you may land that plum job and still feel empty inside and why some billionaires are still depressed in spite of all they have, yet the seemingly lowly may have what appears to be a never-ending flow. 

This week, I would like to implore you to find your thunder, look inwards and discover those things that truly make your life worthwhile. When you find them, cherish them, protect them, and never let them go. 

I have a few ‘thunders’ of my own, some of which I can imagine you all have figured out by now. A key one for me is the knowledge that I am loved by the maker of the universe. That He is big enough to fill the world; yet chooses to make my heart and body His dwelling place. That He can make the Heavens open up for me, make the clouds pregnant just for my sake and spare absolutely no expense just to ensure I am all together. This knowledge gives me peace on a stormy day, dries my tears and heals my heart; and when He wakes me up in the morning with whispers of His love, I know beyond all reasonable doubt that I am home with Him. On that day when all other thunders fail, this one will remain unshakeable through the end of time.