Lightning Storm

It's 11:21pm, the kids are all asleep and I am sitting in our living room right in front of the huge window with my laptop watching the most amazing, outrageous lightning storm I have ever witnessed. Jeff and I were out on the deck watching and checking to make sure nothing was flooding. It is incredible. There is literally no pause between the lightning and the thunder. It is right above us and all across the valley. We are seeing strikes go all the way to the ground, or at least the tree level, all around us. The thunder is literally shaking the house. I cannot believe the kids haven't woken up.

Just minutes ago Jeff ran out into the storm to turn off the sprinklers. I wasn't sure that was a smart idea but he made it back safely. After that we went out on our master deck to watch. We were leaning out a bit on the railing to see how much water was flooding around the fire pit when a huge streak of forked lightning struck right off the deck. Probably a mile or less but it was so bright and so close that I stumbled backwards across the chaise lounges behind me. The thunder was so loud it hurt my ears. The lightning was so bright it hurt my eyes. We could close our eyes and still see the streak for several minutes after. I didn't stand as close to the railing after that.

It is humbling to see the raw power of nature. It makes you realize how insignificant and powerless you really are. I feel small and vulnerable but so grateful for a roof over my head and safety inside.