We’ve been longing for some substantial rain to bring springtime up to its full potential. Last night, we finally got some. As I look out my window this morning, I see a sky of grey, trees with soaked branches drooping with the extra weight, weeds coming to life alongside the slowly growing good plants. Rainy days and Mondays always get me down. At least that was written into a song a long time ago. If anything, we should be excited to start another week – even if we will most likely spend today inside looking out.

I notice a Robin perched on the top of a telephone pole, surveying the neighborhood like a sentry on the lookout. I see fresh Creeping Charlie invading the green grass. Tiny purple flowers attached to small, round leaves add a touch of color to the lawn. Even though it’s pretty, I know I have to deal with it. Thankfully it has a weak root system that’s easy to pull out. I notice a squirrel, rustling through a small pile of leaves as if he intends to find a tasty morsel. Even God’s creation needs to renew and refresh.

Monday is a good day to start a new project – to go back to work – to plan – to enjoy new beginnings and second chances. We all need those opportunities. Even when we’re no longer part of the working class, we have an obligation to start the week with a plan. We can make a to-do list and hope to follow through. We can manage our daily chores. We can set some goals. We can take a nap if we want to – even if it’s a short power nap.

The best advice I can give for starting a new week is to look at it as a second chance. God gives us a hundred or more of those chances through every day. Even though we’re surrounded by bad news, negative and false narratives, hatred and decay – we’re also accompanied through those things by our Heavenly Father. Begin this week with a new outlook. Enjoy the little things. Search for beauty in darkness. Start this week by clinging tightly to the truth that you are deeply loved by God.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY AND YOUR REFRESHING RAIN.