Journal entry from an evening in Germany:
5 June 2011
Rain.
Today I went to "play in the rain." I ended up next to a pond in this little park around the corner from the Byers' place. I sat down and watched the drops splash while the ducks seemed not to be bothered by the water above them, but only concerned with the water below. I laid back for a moment in an effort to feel the rain on my face. This is what I noticed and what the Lord brought meaning to:
As much as I wanted to stay laying on my back it turned out to be less comfortable than I had imagined. With every drop that hit my eyelids I jumped; I breathed water into my nose a time or two. Needless to say, I ended up sitting back up slightly frustrated that I couldn't bask in the rain like I could in the sun or under the stars on a roof. As I sat up I began to notice that the water that hit my head ran down my face in little squiggles. Seeing and breathing were easy and I still got to enjoy the shower of rain.
[side note: I've noticed that when one tries to get out of the rain it seems to blur all vision and frustrate plans or pathways. However, when allowing oneself to surrender to the inevitability of wetness under the rain, the fog seems to lift and everything can be seen with a clarity unmatched even by the rays of our sun. Although the rain brings with it a rushing sound, everything else seems to stop and listen bringing a silence that stirs my soul. This quiet surrender has me sitting in awe and following suit.]
I saw the fireworks splashing on top of the water in rhythm with the created universe and with it life was being renewed. I think all of this relates to our relationship with God in so many ways. God rains down His grace, and consequently His glory, onto us for no other reason than because He is good.
He loves us because He is good.
He saves us because He is good.
He changes us into His Son's image because He is good.
And while He has given us a (good) desire to just lay back and gaze at the Source, we are currently lacking the ability to open our eyes and gaze on His face. That time is coming, and coming soon - but it's not now. So instead He has us look forward and He allows His grace to wash over our head and body while we view all that He is doing in front of us. He allows us to see all that He is affecting with His "rain" and lets us be a part of His redemptive plan on this earth. The clarity that the rain demands pierces the soul and eyes are opened to all the life and beauty that the Lord is "holding together by the power of His word." All of creation stands still and gladly accepts this rain, this life, this gift of God's presence.
So I just sat and saw and worshiped the Almighty. What a gift.
