TAKING A LATE-AUTUMN BREAK near the seaside town of Sidmouth in Devon on the beautiful South Coast of England, I revelled in my peaceful surroundings and the solitude. Most of the homes in the caravan park [mobile home park] where I stayed were unoccupied at that time of year, and very few people were around.
One night just after I had gone to bed, a storm unexpectedly came up. I could hear the rain pelting against the roof and side of my holiday home. The threatening strong winds howled. As I peered out the window, I suddenly felt quite fearful and alone. My home was situated at the far end of the park, quite a distance from the main building. It was totally black outside, with not another light except mine to be seen. The storm persisted without a pause. The rain hammered relentlessly, and gales gusted from every direction. My idea of getting away for a quiet break no longer seemed so appealing!
Lying in bed, I realized that I needed to determine my viewpoint right from the outset. Would I view this storm based on the evidence reported by the material senses or from a spiritual basis? My decision would directly affect the outcome of my experience.
