As I write this blog I am actually sitting in the parking lot of one of our local restaurants waiting for a monthly meeting that I’m involved in to get started. This day seems so peaceful to me. Some may hate it but I’m the opposite. I LOVE days like today. It’s rainy and dreary. Among many of my friends and family I’ve always found myself to be the “black-sheep,” if you will, in this manner. Most of those around me seem to enjoy the sun and heat. While I don’t mind that, I much rather prefer a rainy day. To some it seems quite depressing. Interestingly enough, to me, it is refreshing. Some people see it as a figurative and literal damper on their day. I love the difference in perspective the rain always brings me.
It’s easy to get caught up in the worries and cares of the day while rushing from one thing to another. When it rains I find myself relaxing a little. No use in driving too fast or I’ll end up in a wreck. No use in attempting to stay dry because it’s futile even with the largest umbrella created. It is what it is. You just have to accept it and work around it. While I’ve stated I enjoy the more relaxing atmosphere I fully realize there’s a more practical use for the rain. In Spring when the new growth of plants are at their highest the pollen count in the South can, at times, become almost unbearable. When I breathe during these times it’s almost has an unnatural feel to it and quite frankly, I don’t like it. I have found when it rains I can actually breathe better. The rain falling tends to clear the air of the pollen that threatens to choke the life out us.
I have always viewed the Holy Spirit in this same way. We go throughout our days constantly bombarded by things that are far from being considered “salt” and “light.” It seems like the air around us is full of impurities and, spiritually speaking, it’s true. The devil is referred to in the word as “the prince of the power of the air.” This area, if you will, has become his domain. Don’t believe me? Check it out in the Bible in Ephesians 2:2. It’s the rain of the Holy Spirit that falls and clears away all the mess and junk that fills the air and makes it hard for you to spiritually breathe. One of the symbols of the Holy Spirit is rain. Just like in our natural world, the rain of the Holy Spirit brings refreshing when it comes. That which was dry now begins to function as it was originally intended to. Just as plants have certain needs, the same is true of our spirits and souls. Plants must have fertile soil, light and water to grow. He is the light, His precious Holy Spirit is the water we need for refreshing, while His word offers us the seeds of truth that we should be allowing to be scattered over the fertile soil of our gardens/hearts. Instead of being frustrated the next time it rains because it makes your hair frizz, messes up your favorite pair of shoes, or just seems like a nuisance allow it to bring you genuine refreshing. It may sound foolish, or maybe infantile but, choose to get wet today. Choose refreshing over barrenness and dryness! Don’t complain about it, enjoy it! PS—No umbrellas needed for this rain. You should WANT to get drenched!!
BRING ON THE RAIN!!!!!!!