Receiving the Rain

Rain will fall. That fact I can not change. It's what I do with the rain falling down on me that matters.

This morning started out early (in a most unpleasant way) and has gone down hill from there. Kicked off by a very disturbing nightmare, then transitioning to my role as a mom with 2 cranky kids that wanted to get up (early, of course, due to the time change), I felt under attack from the moment I realized that the day had started. I was given no choice in the timing of the matter, just as with the falling rain.

It was very clear to me that the rain was falling on me today. What am I going to do with this rain? How can I allow this rain to bring beautiful growth to my life, and share that beauty with the lives of all surrounding me?

Over the past few days I have endured several hurtful events that felt more like hail storms pelting and stinging me to the core than a gentle and refreshing spring rain. These events have left me feeling so low today. Although each of the events were unrelated, they all left me feeling so insignificant.

On top of that, my husband is out of town for several days and I am very lonely and weary.

Rain on top of rain.

I am faced with a decision. Is this rain going to leave me soaking, cold, and feeling helpless? Or, can I find something to be thankful for as I endure this?

It's not easy, but I need to do the latter. But it is SO difficult to do.

What's my posture? Am I hunched over trying hard to do the impossible and not get wet? Or, am I actually receiving it with arms wide open? There's a powerful heart change in the second image described. The difference is found in the surrender.

This verse comes to my mind, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

So, dear Lord, as I am so low and feeling battered by these storms, I am going to try to thank you for the rain. Thank you for all that you have to teach me during this time. Thank you that even though I am fully empty, I can be filled to overflowing with Your love and encouragement. Thank you for the sunbreaks in the midst of the storms that You offer when I least expect them.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!...Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Chris Jesus." Philippians 4:4:4-7

Today, moment by moment, I am going to make the difficult decision to receive the rain with open arms. This posture will allow me to also be able to receive the blessing of the showers as a drink of refreshment on my parched land.