Oh How I Love Thee...

I love the rain. And I always have. Maybe because it reminds me of so many beautiful things. Even when it's making me late because people don't know how to drive in it...even when my hair isn't quite hitting its A-game because of it...even when being half-wet and half-dry after running through it might be one of my top 5 worst feelings. It still has such beautiful implications.

It's a reminder of new beginnings. That the grime of life can be washed away. The dirtiest roads, the filthiest cars, are clean when the rain subsides. And I'm reminded of all the times that I had to walk through a storm only to come out on the other side with a clean heart. And I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

It's a reminder of growth. Of providence. Without the rain, some of our brothers' and sisters' lives are halted because their land is dry and thirsty. Much like our souls become after a long drought of selfishness and lack of eternal things. The rain brings much-needed fuel for growth. And is an answered prayer for many.

It soothes my spirit. Because I feel like when its rainy and cold, we're probably all thinking the same thing. That we'd love to crawl under a blanket and watch a movie by a fireplace. And as weird as that sounds, that brings me comfort. That the lull of the raindrops hitting the roof, and the hazy sky awakens our hearts to the desire to be in a still place.

And every time a drop falls from the sky, I am reminded of one of my favorite passages of Scripture. You'll find it in Hosea. Stubborn Israel resolves to turn their hearts back to the God who loves them. And He is faithful. Hosea 6:1-3:

"Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us;

he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us;

on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence.

Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him.

As surely as the sun rises, he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth.”

So, the next time the rains fall, be grateful. Let it remind you that God Almighty is the giver of all good things. Who longs to make you clean, and to see you grow...and He is always faithful.

You are loved.

K