The other day I heard thunder, I felt pain relief and I could smell the coming of a summer rain as the sky darkened, the wind blew, and the earth readied for the precious droplets. Swinging on the back porch swing, I bowed my head and thanked the Lord for the gentle rain that made rhythmic music on the metal roof.
I
often commune with the Lord on the back porch as the morning ushers a new day.
It is my place to pray and listen for God’s voice heard in the sounds of birds,
the wind, the chimes, and miscellaneous noises of overhead planes, passing
vehicles, and creaking porch.
The
serenity of falling rain rejuvenates. I love the rain, especially at night riding
around in my old pickup truck listening to the purr of the exhaust, watching the metronomic
movement of the windshield wipers, and the comfort and relaxation of the old
seat. It is romantic and gratifying.
Several
Lord’s days back some folks were complaining about the Sunday morning rain. I
was thankful since a few weeks prior the state of Alabama was under a drought
warning, no burning, and crops beginning to wilt. Unthankful in God’s house.
Springs, creeks, rivers, ponds, and lakes were low for months. Hay fields, gardens, and yards were scorched. Trees were dying reminding us of times of drought in the Bible. I had rather see rain than watch the earth wither away.
I
know that rain for some folks causes depression. In movies rain is a motif that
happens at funerals, denotes personal sadness, and creates chaos. It is about
perspective. Momma would allow us to play in the rain as long as there was no
lightning. Water filled ditches were fun. Playing in the mud was adventurous.
It meant no working in the garden nor cutting grass. It was like a holiday.
When
I worked at the cement plant there was no such thing as rain halting work. It
actually created more work. Coal, lime, and other materials did not flow. Certain
areas needed sump pumps to stop flooding. Auxiliary engines had to be started
in case of power outages. Rain created chaos.
Working
while building bridges was just the opposite. When rain was in the forecast
workers would draw a large circle in the dirt. When three drops of rain fell in
the circle, someone would yell, “Get the tools up boys.” Mud and water are
enemies of construction and robbers of paydays.
I
love to write on rainy days. Rain can be inspirational while lack of rain is
depressing for me.
Rain in abundance or in lacking is a motif in twenty-seven books of the Bible where God interacts with creation and humanity. The first rain mentioned in the Bible is the deluge in Genesis where it rained for forty days and night. That was a lot of water that surrounded the earth. I am sure that Ms. Noah got depressed with all the rain and cooped up with seven other people and an abundance of animals and such.
In
the end, God gave a rainbow. I have seen several rainbows, and a couple of
double ones, this year. It is a reminder of God’s promise.
Then
I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and
the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. Leviticus 26:4 KJV
Nevertheless
he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from
heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. Acts 14:17
KJV
Leaving
the House of Worship on that rainy Lord’s Day I told Lisa that the same people
that were upset that it rained will be the same ones upset when it is dry. I am
glad God controls the weather.
Thank you for taking time to read God's Front Porch. The articles are weekly and I pray they are inspirational. Please share.
