Rain, Rain, Go Away – Come Again Some Other Day

How many did we sing that song as children? How many times do we think it as adults?

A few weeks ago it rained and rained and rained where I live. We had no flooding at our house but nearby there were overflowing streams and ponds, flooded yards and roads, and standing water everywhere. I’m sure many of us were at least thinking about that song! Then the sun came out and we all rejoiced. It made me stop and think. If we didn’t have the rain, would we rejoice in the sun or just simply take it for granted?

It seems that in the heat of August we are usually longing for rain. Our lawns are dry and brittle, we have to water plants and flowers once or twice a day. We can’t be outside long without a hat and sunscreen. We “glisten” (I heard that once as a nice word for sweat). But, we all know what happens in the very hot summer sun, we sweat! There’s nothing nice and sweet about it. Then, we enjoy the summer showers. Of course, we don’t want them to last very long. Actually, we probably would rather they came at night while we were sleeping and then the sun would be out in the daytime. Convenience. That’s what we really want, isn’t it?

Last night we had another thunderstorm. It came up quickly and it seemed at times like it was raining sideways. Then this morning, everything looked fresh and clean – refreshed. The grass seemed greener, the flowers more bold in color. There is something about the rain that seems to bring new life – it does actually.

We take the sun for granted and I’m sad to say that often, we take the Son for granted too. When things are going well, we don’t always give either a thought. But, when the rains and storms come, we look to them with longing. Jesus told us that He (the Son) gives “living water” to all who are thirsty and come to Him. The well never runs dry. Just like the spring rains bring refreshing to the soil. Jesus always refreshes our soul. Michael W. Smith says it well in his song “Let It Rain”.  Let it rain, let it rain. Open the floodgates of heaven. The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad Let the distance shores rejoice Clouds and thick darkness surround Him Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne A fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side His lightning lights up the world The earth sees and trembles The mountains melt like wax before the Lord Before the Lord of all the earth The heavens proclaim His righteousness And all peoples will see His glory. We want to see Your glory, God! Let it rain, let it rain. Open the floodgates of heaven

Have you noticed how children love the rain? They love to jump in puddles (and it’s not just boys). I saw a little girl this week in a parking lot, going straight for a puddle to step in it. There’s something in water that draws us. As kids, we didn’t mind the rain, did we? Maybe that’s another reason Jesus told us to come “as a child”. Like a child welcomes the rain and appreciates the sun, I want to welcome the rain in my life so that I never forget to appreciate The Son.

No matter what the weather is in your home this weekend, enjoy the blessing in itself. And remember, if we never had the rain, we would not appreciate the sun. If we never had trouble, we would never appreciate the good times. When was the last time we prayed without complaining or asking for anything but simply gave thanks for God, who He is, and the day’s blessings? I’m going to try to put that into practice. How about you?

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”