Interlude on Account of Rain

This post has been popping back in my head lately. I wrote it over a year ago before my blog was published publicly, so I thought I would republish it today. I hope you enjoy. Take time to soak it in...

Today my plans were changed on account of rain. No complaints here! In fact I find the current downpour to be a wondrous blessing. I just love thunderstorms, and have been relishing in the quiet within while laying back and just listening. The sweet solitude of a summer storm does two things for my spirit. This morning I discovered a large part of my joy in a boisterous storm is the connection it creates for me with God. Living here in the Midwest it's pretty much the only time I can actually hear God at work. I love the thunder, the flash of light across the sky and the sound of raindrops dancing on rooftops. The other reason I find such enjoyment in rain especially is that it just seems to water my Irish roots. The older I get the more connected I feel to my heritage. I think rain must reside in my blood.

I have been extremely busy with the grandkids, and it seems to be leaching away my time with the kids. I am desperately trying to establish a balance in my life, but there is just so much to weigh. Fortunately, I had a two day break, today and yesterday. Yesterday I made it a priority to complete my errands, chores and personal demands. Today was to be the day spent with the kids. We were going to do the Pepsi and Mentos experiment at the park. We were also going to plant some flowers that were given to us by a neighbor. Not this today. Instead we are going to bake peanut butter cookies and watch movies we rented from Family Video. That is once everyone is up and ready. It is now almost noon, and everyone is still moving slowly about, those of us that are moving anyway.

I don't know many people that enjoy the weather even remotely similar to the same way that I do. I find weather activity absolutely fascinating and beautiful. Falling rain nurtures and stimulates the life of nature. Today I will soak it in with the full knowledge of it's intent and purpose to nurture and stimulate my soul. Today I will be refreshed. Today I will be renewed. Today my spirit will drink in God...all on account of rain.

In the Air

Today was the day that we sent our youngest daughter out on her first 'far-from-home' adventure. Amie Lynn left this morning for Georgia. This is her first trip on her own. This is her first experience with airplane travel. This is her first time out of the Midwest. Right at this very moment as I am typing this post she should be in the air.

I remember the very first time I flew. It was when I was 12 years old. I flew from Texas to Florida for a six-week visit with my grandparents. No, I didn't live in Texas. I had driven there with a family for a two-week visit there before heading to Florida. What an experience that was. I was uncomfortable then, and I am still uncomfortable with air travel to this day. Fortunately, God always places someone interesting in the seat next to me. Having a kind person to talk with really does a lot to pass the time and distract attention from fear.

Have you ever flown? Do you remember looking out the window and being above cloud-cover? Is that not one of the most beautiful things you have ever seen? I swear, it looks like you can just step right out of the plane and walk across the blanket of clouds. It's absolutely breath taking, and I really hope that she gets to experience the view for herself. She did choose a window seat, and she is flying in the daylight.

Oh, what an experience it must be for her. A young lady traveling alone across the country to visit her favorite person in the whole world, her "sister". Well, Becca really isn't her sister, but there are plenty of people who they have convinced otherwise. Becca is Amie's cousin by marriage, and they couldn't be closer. Becca just got married in April and moved to Georgia to be with her husband, Kevin, who serves in the Armed Forces. Kevin will be deploying to Iraq in a few weeks. Amie's trip to visit is our graduation gift to her. What is better than an adventure?