SPRING RAINS

"Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, .. IS 43:19

          There is something about a cup of coffee, a quiet morning, and rain.  The darkness a dwelling for gloom and  security  together, for  I gaze at the blessed storm through the  speckled wet glass of  warm and dry home.  The anticipation of outdoor sun and fun is hampered and thoughts turned inward to inside projects and heart projects.  Just like the rain brings darkness and life giving water, so too the inward focus brings life giving reflection.  When sunshine and activity are not what invigorates mind and heart, I must seek a  higher source for these.  This morning I choose to give thanks for the rain and darkness that surrounds my own house.  Raindrops of broken hearts, rebellious choices, blind eyes and physical decay tempt me to celebrate the gloom with bitter tongue, but in giving thanks, the purpose of each one in watering and weeding my own desolate spiritual garden becomes clearer.  And as I give thanks, these reasons for joy seem to multiply like the raindrops beating faster and harder on the window.  As I speak the words of thanks for things that are as dark as the water filled clouds I see outside, my soul begins to believe their good purpose and to be drenched in the goodness of their creator.  The warm and dry of house and home seem a greater gift than they did when sunshine reigned and outside called.  As my coffee cup drains, my heart fills with hope and clarity and love for my rain giver.  And the river that streams down the gravel drive becomes a symbol of the roadway through the dry ground of my inconsistent heart and the hope for each familiar face shaped drop of spring.  

2016