Rain, Rain - Go Away (really?)

It's been gray from start to finish today. We seem to have than our share of those in this corner of northern Indiana. Low clouds...a light mist...after some serious rainfall earlier in the week.

The grass is so green it looks electric. Homeowners are having a tough time keeping it cut down because it is growing so fast.

Seems like everyone I've talked to today says something like, "I'm so tired of this. I am ready for sunny...dry weather."

I understand that. I was hoping to go water skiing this evening, but the cool temps and the low clouds discouraged me from putting that particular plan into action.

As I was driving down the road, though, I realized there are parts of the world where people would be standing outside weeping with joy at the wet stuff falling out of the sky! Australia and parts of the US -as well as other corners of the globe- are in the grip of a terrible drought. Good topsoil is drying up and blowing away. Herds of livestock are being sold off.

When people have complained about the rain today, I have started responding, "There are parts of the world where people would be standing outside, faces upturned towards the sky, weeping with joy at the gift we are receiving."

Sometimes we complain even about the blessings God sends our way, don't we?

In Matthew 5 Jesus is talking about loving our enemies and praying for the people who make our lives miserable. He's trying to shake us loose from our human temptation to treat our friends well and our enemies like
-well- enemies. He points out, in verse 45, how God is different. He says God makes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and that God sends rain on the just and the unjust. Sun is blessing...rain is blessing.

We grumble about cancelled golf games, bicycling trips, and picnics. Truth is we might look up at the wet stuff falling from the sky and say, "Thank you, Father. Thank you, Lord!"