Rain

 

Article by Norma Beaird

Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird

For the past month or more, it seems that it has rained almost every day.  Where some places in the U.S. are experiencing drought, we are experiencing a deluge of rain here in Georgia.  

About two days ago, we heard the clap of thunder and looked outside the window deep into the Georgia Pines to see another downpour of rain.  This may surprise some folks; but in all honesty, I've always enjoyed a rainy day.  Of course, the rain has slowed down our photography, but I still find beauty in an overcast, rainy day. It's a necessary part of nature.  In order for us to see green grass and blooming flowers; at some point, we need to see the rain.

 

For many people, rainy days are depressing and gloomy.  For me, it has always been refreshing.  I remember times that we've been in the mountains on a rainy day. There is nothing more romantic than a rainy day in the mountains.  Rain, like sunshine, has its purpose.  

Would we ever enjoy the beauty of sunshine if we didn't sometimes have a rainy day?  Would we ever appreciate the calm of quietness if we didn't sometimes endure the disturbance of noise?  Would we ever appreciate success if we didn't sometimes have a failure?

Therefore rain, with its thunder and lightning, can be a blessing in the wilderness if we are willing to look beyond the unrealistic expectations of today's mindset. Rain can teach us faith, patience and gratitude.  Remember, the rain precedes the rainbow.

 

Isaiah 55: 9 - 11

⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

¹⁰ For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

¹¹ So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

So learn to appreciate the rainy days in your life, whether it's physical or emotional rain, or the sometimes confusing storms of life.  Our rainy days can result in important learning experiences and great lessons of faith.

Sometimes rainy days can force us to use our creativity and talents in ways we had not thought possible.  Storms of life can produce a colorful rainbow of ideas and create surprising opportunities. Stormy seas produce the need to check our spiritual compass and pay attention to navigation skills.  

Let's think about this post today.  Because of the rain, we have these pictures of rain in the Georgia pines. Then came the words to attach to the rain pictures.   If we had not embraced the rain, we may not have a post for today.  

Plus, out of these rain pictures came the thoughts of a legendary Bluegrass song performed by the fabulous Oak Ridge Boys.  Sometimes, it just all works out! 

Enjoy your rainy days, and especially rainy days in the pines!

 

 

 

Copyright 2013, Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.

All scripture is King James Version