RAIN

The last three days have been cold and rainy here in Portland, which is very atypical for mid-August weather. In fact, we claim bragging rights to our great summer weather out here in an effort to comfort ourselves from the remaining 9 months of gloomy weather. I noticed myself getting a little down and not being as cheerful as when it's sunny. It's so easy to get annoyed or frustrated with this weather, especially when all I want to do is look out my window at work and see the clear blue sky; or go for a run or take a walk in the afternoon/evening and enjoy the sunshine. We only get three months of great weather out here, so why is it getting interrupted?

Do you ever find yourself asking the same things about life? Questioning the rain in your life? I DO! This morning (thanks to a bible study that I was in charge of organizing for work), I was reminded of the importance and significance of rain, not only for nature, but also for me as a person. I was especially reminded about this as it relates to God's promises. Rain brings new life; beautiful landscapes and pictures are a result of this rain. Without rain, things become lifeless and wither and die. Rain also reminds me, as a Christian, of the mercy and grace that God showers upon ME from heaven. This grace and mercy is totally undeserved, yet he continues to shower his blessings upon me amongst this rain. Grace= God's Riches at Christ's Expense and Mercy = not getting what we do deserve. Because of our awesome God's mercy, we receive His grace...and this comes to us through the rain showers of life! It's during these sprinkles, showers, storms, and hurricanes of life that it is tough to stay still and let God be God; let Him do His thing..."Let go and let God!" But it's through this rain that we are reminded of the blessings of being his children. His ways are eternal and He does not change. Just as he carried through those before me, He will do it for me and those also ahead of me. What a great and mighty God I serve!

So, I will change my mindset about these rainy Portland days! They are a blessing and a necessicity in life. I will make the choice to be thankful for and enjoy each day in life, whether God gives me sunshine or rain. I hope you can do the same!