Dance in the Rain
Photo Credit
We spent 4 glorious days at the beach. Erika had decided to stay away, rather than raining on our parade. We’d elected to be dangerous and unplug from responsibility while all our friends ran to the grocery store for batteries and bottled water. Instead of preparing, we’d lounged in comfy chairs under a fancy umbrella.
Our “re-entry to reality” came on the drive home. Even though the hurricane had dissipated, the strong wind and heavy rain still battered the terrain. We saw large branches in the road and lots of debris in people’s front yards.
“Storms really clean things up,” commented my man as we surveyed the damage.
Ain’t that the truth? I thought.
We’ve faced quite a downpour in our six years of marriage. Relentless squalls have “cleaned me up” plenty.
I’m less selfish, more forbearing, and quicker to forgive.
Storm gusts have washed away the grime and left lots of grit.
I want to be that girl who puts on her dancing shoes when the blast blows in rather than drowning in a puddle of tears.
One storm at a time, my steps go stronger.
It seems near impossible to praise Him in the storms … it’s only after the gray clears that we are able to see His hand of mercy, of healing, of hope hard at work.
Thanks, Lyli …
I am thankful that He is Lord of the wind and waves. It comforts me so much when I am in the midst of the onslaught.
Lyli, your man speaks some wise words! Storms truly have a way of washing things clean as they surface things which may have been hidden otherwise. Thank you for sharing the verse from Zechariah. May we remember that “every field” will become a lush pasture. No pasture left sparse. Wonderful word!
Isn’t that verse from Zechariah a sweet promise? I was so excited when I found it.
“Learning to dance in the rain” love this analogy. May we all be blessed by our time spent dancing closer to our Savior. Blessings to you.
That is God’s beautiful design, isn’t it. Marriage can refine us. If we are seeking God he will guide and grow us up in our relationship.
Lyl,
This is great! I never really considered storms to act as clean-up – but now I can picture them that way. There really is nothing like the smell of fresh rain, or like the look of saturated woods after a storm. It’s true – the analogy – we come out better for the storm if we keep our focus on God. He’s the one who changes us…because He loves us so much and wants the best for us. I want to dance in the rain, too!
I love this line about dancing in the rain. I used it in a play I write and produced a couple of years ago at a point where the protagonist was challenged to “stop and think about this”–a thought provoking line, indeed.
Joy!
Kathy
“Storms really clean things up.” ~ Never really thought about it that way. Love that. 🙂
Lyli,
This is so true: “Storm gusts have washed away the grime and left lots of grit.” May God give us the grace to dance …with or without tears because tears can be “liquid prayers” and just as cleansing…Appreciate you and your faith…may God continue to give you grace to dance, my friend 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing this—Brilliant, bubble (of self-pity) bursting imagery!
Love from Holland,
Jasmine
Hellooo, Jasmine! I am so glad you were encouraged by this post. I have a very good friend who is from Holland and now lives in the States. 🙂