As a child, I remember a summer when rain was an everyday occurrence. We had a new swimming pool and I longed for sunny days and warm temperatures. But each morning, I woke up to the sound of rain pelting the roof and filling the gutters. Not only did the rain continue day after day, but the weather was unseasonably cool. Days melted into weeks as the rainy summer dragged on.
Often, we don’t appreciate multiple days of rain. Rain interferes with our plans, making us cancel or reschedule. For some, rain is depressing. But there are benefits to life seasons filled with rain, among them, an appreciation for growth and the return of sun and warmth.
Following are reasons to be grateful for rainy seasons:
Revive
In this world of noise, constant activity and stress, rain slows us. At first, you may be resistant to a decrease in motion, but once the pace slows you realize your level of exhaustion. Allow yourself to rest and reflect. Resist the urge to start multiple projects and take advantage of down time. Revive physically, emotionally, and spiritually during slower periods of life. You aren’t lazy; you are in recovery mode.
Rethink
We often engage in busyness to avoid thinking about something that is challenging or difficult. We create reasons to sidestep addressing an issue, like a health concern or a relationship problem that you don’t want to think about or act on.
Rainy days provide a chance to rethink and reorient. Be still. Think. Pray, asking for perception, wisdom, and direction. Then make a list of things you are doing to avoid dealing with your challenge, and in a column next to each item, what is involved in facing the issue head-on. Then restructure your schedule to allow time for action, giving implementation a place of priority.
Rainy days provide a chance to rethink and reorient. Share on X” username=”CandyArrington”]
Restore
Restoration of any kind takes time and patience. When someone attempts restoration of furniture, photos, or houses, it is often a multi-step endeavor. If you skip steps, or rush the process, you may not be happy with the results.
Think of what in your life needs restoration. Is it discipline? A relationship? Health? Where is damage and how can it be restored. Begin restoration, knowing it will be a process that requires planning, time, attention, and patience.
Restoration of any kind takes time and patience. Share on X” username=”CandyArrington”]
Refresh
What refreshes you? Are you refreshed after gathering with family, or sharing a burden with a trusted friend? Are you invigorated by spending time alone? Some are refreshed by time spent in nature. Still others find refreshment in the pages of scripture. Find what refreshes your spirit and feeds your soul.
Find what refreshes your spirit and feeds your soul. Share on X” username=”CandyArrington”]
Renew
The word “renew” has many synonyms: regenerate, revive, rebuild, resume, replenish.
Rain revives, restores, refreshes, renews, cleanses, and propels forward motion.
Perhaps you feel your life could use one or more of these r-words. We all experience seasons of life when we long for a boost, when we need a refreshing shower of revival and reinvigoration.
Often at the heart of this need is a spiritual thirst. Take a deep dive into God’s word. Plunge into prayer. Renew your relationship with your Creator and enjoy showers of blessings.
“I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing” (Ezekiel 34:26 NIV).
“Sing out your thanks to him; sing praises to our God, accompanied by harps. He covers the heavens with clouds, sends down the showers, and makes the green grass grow in mountain pastures” (Psalm 147:7-8 TLB).
Renew your relationship with your Creator and enjoy showers of blessings. Share on X” username=”CandyArrington”]
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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