Blessings from Gray Skies

It was the three o'clock in the morning thunder which announced the impending rain.  The frequent flashes through the shuttered window was the exclamation point.  What was announced in the darkness fell from the gray skies throughout most of the day.  For some rain is an unwanted disruption.  It sends folks running from one place to another fighting windblown umbrellas as they go.  Most folks would rather it rain on someone else since it is viewed as such an inconvenience.    

Out here on the farm the rain has spoken a different message all day.  While I have heard the Words within the rain today, it is also true that there have been too many times when I tried to wish it away.  But, today it has fallen gently upon the creation to renew it.  And, I have been able to watch.  I have been able to listen.  It seemed to call those of us who watch the rain fall to receive its renewing power.  Like the thirsty dirt all around us, there is within us that inner thirst which can only be quenched by being still and waiting.    

Rain helps us be still.  It is a disrupter of our obsession with staying busy and getting it done in a hurry.  As we listen to the rain fall and feel the soaking of our skin, we are reminded to put aside what speaks of our routine for a moment of being still and listening to the Voice of the Renewing One who is constantly seeking the ear of our heart.  The rain not only blesses the earth, but it also blesses the thirsty ones like you and me who need an awareness of the Creator's presence washing over us.