No, this is not me dancing in the rain. I did happen to venture out this morning to do some shopping facing some cloudy skies. I should’ve listened to the weather forecast, but they are only right 50% of the time. So, off I went. I was looking for a frame for a piece of Paul’s art. I got sidetracked, as I usually do when walking through a craft and hobby shop. When I finally left, there was a mere drizzle falling down. I still had time to hit the grocery store. I guess you could call it very spontaneous and almost crazy of me, but off I went. I like to get out once in a while so I can get some steps. When you reach my age, every step counts and it’s much more fun than sitting in front of the TV set. I spent yesterday working in my garden, so my bones were a little stiff to add to the adventure.

By the time I finished my shopping the heavens exploded in a giant rage. Every drop of humidity which had been sucked out of the earth during a recent heat wave, came back with a vengeance. I danced my way to the car – quickly unloaded my packages – got myself into the driver’s seat and sat there for a moment – not dancing. Instead, I had just experienced my second shower of the day and was in the process of getting a free car wash. I drove home thinking I might be able to get everything unloaded. when the rain told me that wasn’t going to happen. I sat in my car for about fifteen minutes, waiting for the rain to let up just a little, so I could get my groceries into the house. Instead, I decided to take only what was necessary to be refrigerated. I then danced to my kitchen door, completely intrenched in wetness. I felt like a wet dog.

Sometimes the best laid plans aren’t in sync with the things going on around them. We think we’re so smart by trying to accomplish those everyday tasks with speed and consistency. In our brains, these jobs are simple and shouldn’t require a big deal. When God decides to water the earth, I have to look at it as a blessing rather than something that didn’t fit my timeline. It was indeed a blessing. The garden I worked so hard in yesterday got a great supply of much needed refreshment. It will be much easier to turn the soil and get rid of the weeds.

So much for dancing in the rain. Maybe I should try singing instead, but then my neighbors would really think I lost it. Of course, they already believe that. I will dry my hair, sit down in front of the TV and check out the weather. It may be a while before the rest of my groceries are unloaded.

“For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
    and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring,
    and my blessing on your descendants.
⁴ They shall spring up among the grass
    like willows by flowing streams.”
Isaiah 44:3-4