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As I sit here and glance out the window, I see the rain begin again... It is our 'normal' here. And, I don't hate it. I know that I live in a very green land and, in truth, we are green here because of the rain. Green and rain go hand-and-hand. Today, though, I realize that it is raining while at the same time it is bright and sunny. With that recognition comes excitement. My heart leaps with a happy thought, "There will be a rainbow!" Somewhere I know there will be a rainbow. I just have to find it! Go looking for it...
Praying, a few months back, for my two children, my mother's heart was asking that my kids would be spared from pain--- this specific pain, that pain, ANY pain, Lord. Spare them from any pain, Lord. In that moment, as the cry of my heart issued forth, my attention was drawn immediately to the window. I looked outside and saw the rain. In the quietness and with a gentle whisper, I felt the Lord breathe a truth into my heart... In order for green and growth, we need sunshine AND rain, Stephanie. Both are necessary.
Sunshine and rain.
I know this. We all know this. But, oh!, how we feel when the rain and storms of life come. With this kind reminder from God, I began to pray differently. Okay, Lord. Yes, I want my children to be 'green' with life! I want them to grow and flourish in You. So, Lord... I trust You with the rain. Bring rain AND sunshine in my children's lives. Only as much rain as necessary, Father! ...Lord, protect them from floods and storms that are not necessary to their growth. Protect them from hail and destructive hurricanes. But, I say "yes and amen!" to Your gifts of sunshine and rain in their lives.
I pray. I begin again to trust and believe--- Lord, help me with my unbelief. And, I ask that they would grow. I also pray that they would look for and see more and more rainbows. Go looking for it...