Daily Devotion | July 7, 2020

Joy in the Rain

by Rollie J.

Shane and I entered the darkened woods behind our house and over the dike. These woods have been our playground, sanctuary, and sanity maker for so many years now. The sky was dark and dreary with a stiff, cool, swirling breeze that hinted strongly at rain and storm. The favorable smells of sweet grass and mown clover filled our lungs with pleasing scents.

We entered the forest in search of supplies for our upcoming SOLO trip in August. Tops on our list were last fall’s milkweed stalks for teaching cordage, and bows for practicing primitive fire. Shane carried his stout folding knife for trimming, and I held the tree saw for cutting the arched three foot long bows from overhanging curved branches.

Shane was his usually chatty self and I felt a deep sense of contentment and satisfaction for the privilege of walking and talking in the woods with my son. We wandered easily through the woodlot eyeballing branches looking for the right curve and thickness. Upon finding a prime candidate I would saw off the branch and Shane would then shave off nubbins and pokey twigs all the while conversing about soccer, school, and movies.

As our stockpile of rough-hewn bows grew, the wind increased dramatically as limbs and leaves danced above us with greater vigor. Thunder could be heard in the distance and the atmosphere became greenish yellow. The forest became darker and darker as if someone had hit a dimmer switch. Shane felt the first drops, nodded towards home and declared; “Maybe we should head back!”

As we collected our bows the rain began in earnest as we quickly scampered towards home. Lightly at first, but as we exited the woods and gained the opening of the grassy dike the tempest had arrived in full force. Tremendous winds blew in all directions as trees bent and swayed in dramatic, un-choreographed movements and rain soaked us from all sides. As we crested the dike, Shane slowed his pace, looked up, smiled through the downpour and declared; “This is pretty awesome dad! We should just stay out and play in it!”

Our normal, modern-day, common-sense, city-dweller instincts move us to do the opposite. Run quickly, avoid getting wet or uncomfortable at all costs, seek safety, shelter, warmth, and protection immediately! Yet, from the mouth of my son, came the beckoning voice to play, to feel, to sense, and to immerse ourselves in the beauty of a summer rain-storm.

What could I do? I stifled the stern, caution-filled voice of the adult inside, and instead leaned into and followed the playful calling of the child. We threw the bows in the shed, headed for our garage, peeled off shirts and shoes and ran for the rain! The middle of our small street was dancing with rain drops and large puddles that begged to be stomped in. Salt stung my eyes washed off from an earlier run in the day. The coolness was accentuated by the wetness and stiff breeze that tightened our skin and brought our senses to full life and vitality. There was great joy in being full-body immersed in the storm. Laughter, joy, and smiles bounced back between Shane and me.

Upon entering the house, a dry fluffy towel felt comforting on cold skin, warm soft cotton socks felt better than ever, and a cozy sweat-hood and jeans returned warm to our chilled bodies. I felt invigorated, fresh, clean and alive!

Sometimes in life we need to say “No” to the cautious, stifling, reasonable, prudent and habitual voice of the adult. Sometimes the Godly child within calls and beckons us to experience life and nature on its terms and in its fullness. Comfort, security, safety, ease, and surety are often placed as the ultimate goal, yet we miss out on so much of the joy of life when we neglect spontaneity, curiosity, joy, and play.

Jesus is fairly blunt and direct, and scripture quite specific about not losing our child-like joy in life. God placed a whole world of His creation and nature for us to enjoy. It is out there for us not only to observe from the sideline, but to become immersed in and loose ourselves in the beauty, power, mystery and wonder of a summer storm. This week may you loosen your stiff, adult-like, caution-filled collar. There is life, vitality and joy waiting when you do!

-- Rollie J.

And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. "Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:2-5

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesusfor you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 15:11

Have joy at all times. 1 Thess 5:16

And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them. But Jesus called for them, saying, "Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. "Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all." Luke 18:15-17

 

How My Sedentary Life Yearns for Storm,
By Fred Scheel, 1997

How my sedentary life yearns for storm!
Where great waves roll and wild winds swarm;
I suffer surfeit of the daily routine,
Of life’s adventures in quarantine.

I seek challenge to arouse my dormant will,
To climb an ever higher and higher hill,
Send my spirit bursting from its cocoon,
Roll a black storm cloud over the face of the moon.

It’s the pulse of the storm my heart yearns for,
For the thundering surf, its continuing roar,
Of life wide awake! My mind roaming wide!
Of the spring in my step, each a giant stride.

It’s not the goal I seek but the action unto,
Testing the mettle of this life I am traveling through.

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