When It Rains

READY... “I will send you rain in its season and the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit.”  Leviticus 26:4  

AIM...  When it rains it pours… and pours and pours.  The first part of this summer was hard.  It rained EVERY DAY for at least 14 days straight, and I’m certain a few more.  YUCK!  I was beginning to think I missed the memo to start building my ark.  During that time, I began detoxing from all my commitments, everyone’s expectations and unplugging from my once over-committed, candle-burning-at-both-ends life.  As gloomy as the weather was outside, my driven spirit started feeling like I was stepping into a gloomy funk.  (Hence my divine absence, Friends.)

However, as the sun began to shine and brighten our summer, the fog started lifting on my gloomy funk and new life breathed into my world.  Ahhh, the refreshing and relieving sight of a clear calendar and no formal obligations.  While that moment only lasted for about 30 seconds, I reveled in the peace that flooded my once overwhelmed heart and mind.  I realized that the “Son” was shining and Jesus was trying to lift away the fog in my life and His light wanted to grow new fruit in me.  Galatians5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”   In order for trees to bear the best fruit, they need plenty of sunshine and water (rain).  Apparently, in my life, in order for me to actively demonstrate and enjoy the fruits of the spirit, I too need plenty of “Son”shine by letting God “reign.”

When it rains it pours.  BUT, when God reigns in your life, He pours blessings into your world.  He pours forth His love, His mercy, His forgiveness, His tenderness, His peace, and His everything wonderful.  Next time it rains, I will look to the sky and be grateful for the bountiful harvest that is to come.

FIRE!  Take a quick break to step outside and enjoy a moment of sunshine today.  Ahh, the warmth of the sun feels so good you can’t help but sense God’s love shining down on you…not to mention the boost of Vitamin D – divine vitamins!  

Be Excellent!

Lori

 

April Showers

READY… “Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows.” ~ Helen Keller

AIM… Ugh! “Rain, rain, go away. Come again, another day!” When we sing that simple preschool song, the rain listens; it comes again another day…tomorrow!! Yes, we’re all a little tired of the rain. However, it’s normal for April weather and is going to be part of our forecast here in Ohio for the next 8 to 10 days. What if you lived in Seattle, Washington where it rains most of the days of the year? I imagine you might get used to it. Nah, not me! So what’s a person to do about it? You look for the silver lining in those rain clouds.

My children and I were discussing all the rain lately because they have only had one spring soccer practice in the past three weeks. Instead of being depressed about our situation, we started noticing all the good things that are happening because of the rain. The grass in our yard is now greener, the leaves are opening on the trees and the flowers are starting to bloom in beautiful colors at our neighbor’s house. Even though they desperately want to be outside, the rain has allowed us to spend time with each other indoors enjoying family movie nights or playing board games together. We know that the rain will eventually go away and we’ll get to enjoy the sunshine and resume our outside activities again very soon.

Does the rain have you feeling down in the dumps? Are you experiencing some personal rain in your life? Every cloud has a silver lining and if you focus on the bright side of things, usually you can at least alter your thinking and change your attitude. Sometimes all it takes is to start looking at our situations from a different perspective in order to recharge our batteries and get a fresh approach. Truly, even if the rain does go away…it always comes back another day. However, next time we’ll be ready!

FIRE! April showers bring May flowers. What positive rewards will you receive after your rain goes away? Focus on eliminating the negative storm clouds this week and see that sunbeam shine on those new opportunities.

Be Excellent!
Lori