The Joy of listening to rain

During the past year, many people have heard news reports of the severe drought Texas has been enduring. The terrible fires, too, that resulted in people losing their homes and all their possessions. Having been born and raised here, I must say it's the worst of weather conditions I have ever seen. We almost dread turning the evening news on because of what it will bring, another sad report of how dry this part of the country is.

Yet today, as I'm sitting in my office and treasuring the sound of plentiful rains and rolling thunder all about us, I'm thinking, "Well, this is not the typical weather predictions." But I could have already told the professional weather people that rain was definitely on the way because my Pain has been off the charts! This version of Pain is different than the regular everyday hurting as the weather is getting closer to us, my Pain keeps rising and will not slow down until the weather arrives!

I have been trying to stay busy, doing work on my computer, making cookies, watching a movie–anything to distract me from the burning Pain in my butt and leg. Yet I know, nothing is going to help it. I just have to ride my way through it and pray it will ease. So I decided to just stop and listen to this beautiful gift from the Lord, instead of trying to find "busy work" to help get my mind off the Pain.

People who know me say I am very much a typical "Martha, Martha" person, staying busy, wanting everything done proper, and getting frustrated easily. This led me back to the Bible verse where Jesus was at a wedding and Mary was sitting at His feet, exactly where she should be while Martha was running around, working and finally asking Jesus "why" Mary wasn't doing her share of work. Jesus let Martha know "Martha, Martha, why do you worry so much? Mary is at her Master's feet!" I have read this verse many times in my life, and the meaning hits me deep because I realize it's one of my biggest struggles in life: learning to just Stop, be still and listen.

As I heard the thunder continue to roll, something told me, "Just listen to this blessing." I knew in my heart where that suggestion was coming from. As the rain is running off our roof, it's a delightful sound, so delicate. Suddenly, childhood memories were filling me up. One day, while out with my dad, an approaching storm was coming. When the thunder crackled, I grabbed his big hand and clung to him, as tears started to flow down my cheeks. He knew how frightened his little girl was and took the time to give me his teaching version of the Lord. "Oh Sister, now don't be afraid of that thunder. Jesus is carrying a huge load of potatoes for people to eat, and He stumbled on a rock and all those potatoes just came rolling out. That's why we hear thunder!"

Those words calmed my fears instantly. Now, as the years have passed, each time I hear thunder, my heart goes back to that special moment when I needed comfort, and my Dad gave it me in such a loving way. He did not attend church. But without a doubt, he was filled with a deep love for the Lord and shared it in the only way he knew how. Dad didn't have much education. He only got through the eighth grade because he had to drop out when his mother died and he was needed at home to help take care of the other children.

So today I sit here and treasure the gift of rain and thunder, the blessings of cherished memories. By His grace, I will tolerate the Pain that is with me today. This is not an easy task to accomplish, but I will find my way as I thank God for the rains and giving me this day, filled with the simple joy of hearing the sound of rain.