Why I Like the Rain...

"Why I Like the Rain..."

By: Bethany

Yeah, I know it sounds like a 3rd grade essay...That's why I gave it a title and put my name at the top. It's my philosophy that it's not always bad to think...or write...like a 3rd grader.

When I was younger I didn't always sleep well. I would toss and turn, often fall off the bed or wake up with my head where my feet should be. My parents loved taking pictures of all my random sleep positions--weirdos. ;)

However, in the house where I grew up I had the back bedroom. Now not only was this the biggest bedroom in the house, but it was also the bedroom that had the rain gutter on the corner. So every time it would rain...I would sleep. There's something about the sound of rain, the water running down the gutters and the thunder that is soothing to me. It's like the sweetest of sweet songs--a lullaby that would sing me to sleep.

Now, we may not live in that house anymore. My bedroom I sleep in at my townhouse doesn't have a rain gutter and I definitely don't have a big bedroom, but I still like the rain. Actually, like may be an understatement...I LOVE the rain.

Not only does it calm and relax me...It reminds me of Jesus. When it rains, it reminds me of being made anew. It reminds me of why Jesus died and the amazing ability Our Father in Heaven has to wash His children clean and look at them as if they had always been that way.

As I drove to work this morning, I was happy. Everything was wet...Leaves had scattered, some branches had fallen and birds were chirping everywhere. The sun shone bright and I could feel God's smile. Oh how I needed to be made anew today.

All of the frustrations, all of the anguish, all of the insecurities seemed to have been washed away with that rain. I woke up, did my little Bible study (I joined a women's Bible study...which is a story in itself), talked with God and got ready for the day. I knew today would be a blessing. How silly it is that I don't wake up and think that every morning.

Here are some major blessings I have experienced thus far:

• Got a major sponsorship for my fall event (in only 20 minutes)
• Had lunch with two great guys that I am lucky enough to call friends
• Looked in the mirror and felt pretty, which made me feel remarkably confident (Is it conceited for me to say this? Probably. Is it the truth? Definitely.)
• Spent a quality 45 minutes with God this morning
• Got another $500 from another company

Ah, life is so good. Why don't I always look for the blessings rather than the downfalls of life? Why can't everyday be a rainy day?

2 Corinthians 5:17:
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;
the old has gone, the new has come!"

Dear Jesus help me to see rain even on days when it is not present. Help me to never forget that I am made anew and that it is my desire to be in You. Help me to take time to be in You and in Your Word. Lord, help me to never forget why I love the rain.