A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. (Mark 4:37)

Situated in a deep basin surrounded by mountains, the Sea of Galilee is particularly susceptible to sudden, violent storms. Gusts of cool wind whistle down through narrow mountain gorges and clash with the hot, humid air lying over the lake, whipping the waves with little warning. It was during such a storm that an exhausted Jesus lay asleep on a cushion in the stern of a boat he shared with his disciples.

Earlier in the day, Jesus had preached for hours from that same cramped vessel. Now, much in need of rest, he slept so soundly that even a furious squall did not stir him. When the waves broke over the boat, the disciples woke Jesus and chided him. “Teacher, don’t you even care if we drown?” Shaking off sleep, Jesus stood, rebuked the wind and said to the choppy waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Instantly the wind died down and the sea was completely calm. Ever the teacher, Jesus pointed out to the men that their panic was reflective of their spiritual immaturity.

In my years in funeral service, I witnessed countless people demonstrate great strength and courage during crisis. How can they be so brave? I wondered, not at all sure that I could. But the answer is clear. When winds come in gusts and seas become choppy, we instinctively turn to God. In this nearness, we are made keenly aware of Who is with us in the boat.

Ironically, it is life’s smaller trials that challenge our spirituality: annoyances at home, bothersome neighbors or tedious co-workers, no-show appointments and schedules interrupted, slow-moving traffic and quickly unraveling plans. Like sand in a shoe, these irritants have the capacity to grind away at our spiritual poise and composure. Many in today’s society insist that each irritating grain be acknowledged and that each complaint be vented. The scriptures, however, teach otherwise, warning against negativity and self-indulgent whining.

The wise writer of Proverbs reminds that joy is good medicine and that a cheerful heart has a continual feast. Spiritual maturity is indeed reflected by how we respond to life's crosswinds, but it is also measured by how we react daily to the inevitable sand in our shoe.