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Rain and Revelation

There is something that is completely satisfying for me to be in my home on a gray day with the rain coming down. I like the ebb and flow of the sounds; the rise and fall of rhythms syncopated by God. I like watching the rivulets of water flowing from the downspouts and dispersing on the lawn and hearing the gurgling noise of air and water working out their gravitational ballet.

From my bedroom I can hear the wind occasionally lifting a loose piece of vinyl siding. I kid myself and think that one day I will go out and identify the offending piece and have it properly secured.  Truth is, I like it.  I had my landscaper trim the crepe myrtle bush outside my office because it was scraping against the window and threatening to lift the gutters off the west side of house with its unruly branches. I miss their song. It's like I removed the string section of the orchestra during the sonata or the sopranos from the cantata.

I actually enjoy cleaning my house during a good rain.  Not a lot motivates me to do chores.  Normally I would rather do anything else and I am pretty accomplished at formulating excuses.  Before too long I should go out and harvest the last of the chard from my garden. It's the lone survivor from the few cold snaps we have had and the weatherman says we're going from 70 to 28 degrees tonight.  I suspect we may get a clap or two of thunder with a drop like that. I am looking forward to it. I hope I am not disappointed.  I am doing laundry and putting some split pea soup together in anticipation of the colder weather.  What better food is there on a cold rainy day than a thick hot soup? Maybe I will put some cornbread together to go with it.

I've had a rough couple of days.  November is difficult for me as it marks the anniversary of the passing of several loved ones. It also ushers in the holiday season.  I loathe the holiday season.  My disappointment with my life is never so painfully clear to me than during the holidays. I have certainly made a mess of things. If I could I would warn you to avoid the pitfalls that got me, but they were custom made for me. You have your very own. I wish you the wisdom I lacked and a faith stronger than mine so that you can avoid the pitfalls that come addressed to you. Remember though, making good decisions doesn't necessarily mean you'll have a comfortable life.  It just means you won't have as many regrets.

I love the rain. It's cleansing. It reminds me that God reigns. It causes me to be thankful for the shelter He provides during life's storms. It motivates me to get clean and nudges me toward hope. Even my regrets were redeemed at the cross.


Revelation 19:6  
Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,
“Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns." ESV

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