Dancing in the rain

Confession time! Hi, my name is Diana and I am a pluviophile. I love rain so much that l get so hyped up at the first drops of rain. The rainy season usually follows the same pattern, after a couple of sun-scorching days, dark clouds start gathering and the air is filled with the refreshing scent of rain. As the first showers start dropping, the hot weather is replaced by a refreshing cool breeze.

 As it started raining a few days ago, l began reminiscing on how much l love to dance in the rain. Sounds childish right? I vividly recall years ago when l was in high school, it started raining when l was on my way home from school. Instead of running or trying to hide from the rain l took my shoes off and started walking slowly as l enjoyed the rain pouring on me. As the rain fell on me l felt refreshed, it felt like l was being washed and it signaled new beginnings for me, and that brought me so much joy. In addition, rain marks the end of an old season and the start of a new one, a time to plant and anticipate a harvest and most importantly it reminds us of the unconditional love and presence of God in our lives.

Psalms 68:8-9 says, “The earth shook; The heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God; Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel. You, O God, sent a plentiful rain, Whereby You confirmed Your inheritance when it was weary.” This scripture is one of the reasons why l love the rain. It reminds us of the presence of God and that He sends rain when we are weary. This reminds us that God is with us, not only is He with us but He loves us unconditionally and we are reassured that when we are weary, He will send us rain. The Bible says he brings rain on both the good and the bad, therefore we are reminded of the grace of God in our love, not that we deserve it but because He is good. Even after a rather strenuous a year, the coming of the rains is a reminder of the presence of God.

One of my favourite scriptures in the bible is Zechariah 10:1 which says, “Ask the LORD for rain in the time of the latter rain. The LORD will make flashing clouds; He will give them showers of rain, Grass in the field for everyone.”  Rains also signify answered prayer for me, showers of blessing, or healing rain. So, as it rains, recall every prayer that you have made and be expectant of answers to your prayers.

The coming of the rains is also a reminder that even as there is a shift from winter to summer to the start of the rainy season, so it is in our lives. No season is permanent, seasons come and go…  Rains indicate the end of a season and the start of a new one. I don’t know about you, but l always look forward to a new season, new opportunities, a new chapter or even a clean slate.  There is something that stands out in this season, hope is renewed and there is an anticipation of good in the future.

I observed something the other day after it rained, all the plants looked greener and livelier. The rain washes away all the dust and dirt from the plants. When there are heavy rains, dead leaves and branches fall off.  Similarly in our lives, we need a form of rain to cleanse us and wash away all the filth spiritually, mentally and in other areas of our lives and all the dead things that might be keeping us in the same place.

Finally, for farmers, rains signify a season of planting and anticipating a harvest. In the same way, the rainy season is a season for us to sow a seed for the future and anticipate a bumper harvest. Therefore, instead of running from the rain, dance in it!