April 14 – April Fury

Large waves pound the North Shore during a powerful spring storm. A break in the clouds lets soft skylight dance across the water, revealing browns, greens, and deep blues within the chaos. Standing on the rocky beach, I hear the waves shove stones back and forth, sounding like a busy bowling alley beneath the roar of the wind.

In April, Lake Superior’s surface often lingers in the upper 30s to low 40s. When warmer spring air sweeps north across that icy water, the sharp contrast strengthens low-pressure systems and drives gale-force winds. Waves slam into the cliffs, reflect outward, and collide with incoming sets, forming standing peaks and explosive spray along the frozen shoreline.

Leaning into the wind to steady my tripod, I felt small and exposed. It reminded me of another storm long ago, as described in the Bible.

“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down, and it was completely calm.” — Mark 4:39

When life’s storms rise, and the winds feel overwhelming, remember there is One who still commands the waves.