Rain. And being ruined for anything else.
We live in a place that has long rainy Winters. But when the Summer comes it is glorious.I crave those Summer days. All. Winter. Looong. And then all Spring long. And then all June long. Most years Summer doesn't arrive until after July 4. Then rainy Fall arrives October 1st without fail.The thing is, despite the long wait for Summer, I don't want to live anywhere else. The reason is: I love the green.I was walking in the rain today and realized: I've been ruined for the non-green. I don't think I could handle living without this glorious green! I think people who live other places are really missing out. But to have this kind of green, you must have rain. Ergo, my view of the rain has changed. I don't like it... but I guess I kind of love it.It makes me think of my relationship with God. He's not a magic vending machine that dispenses perfect lives. He actually allows painful things to come my way. I don't like it... but I guess I kind of love it. I see the beauty He brings about in my life through these pains.Just like the green of my city has ruined me for living anywhere else, the redemption of God in my life has ruined me for living any other way. I love being loved by Him. I love being His daughter. I trust Him. Yahweh is good. Yahweh is Love. He is powerful and sovereign. He is alive and in action. My God is the King of all things. He is my Savior and Father. Despite the rain and the pain, I don't want to live any other way.
Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, “Does this offend you? At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:61 & 66-69)
If I stopped following Jesus, to whom would I go? I'm totally ruined. And I love it.How are you? I'd love to hear about your journey.Want to read through the Bible with me? Today’s readings are Psalm 67; John 9:1-41