Sheets of water were plummeting to the earth at a rapid
rate. The wind blew so hard that the rain seemed as though it were no longer
traveling a vertical path. The grass slowly grew shorter as the waterline rose
above each blade.
I sat under the pavilion only to realize that the horizontal
flow of the water across the wind was defeating the roof’s feeble attempt at
keeping me dry. I sought refuge in my tent only to discover the water’s fingers
creeping in, creating small streams leading to pools in each corner. Everyplace
I went the rain reminded me with a thunderous roar or a slap in the face, that
I could not hide anywhere out of the water’s reach.
It was a dual all day long. Kyla vs. the rain. We fought
physically: rain jacket vs. water. We fought mentally: hope for sunshine vs.
cloudy taunting skies. The battle raged. Ah, what a valiant foe, that rain.
And who was the victor of this battle you ask? Ah, now that,
my friend, has an interesting answer. You see, there came a point in the battle
that I realized, that despite my greatest efforts, the rain would inevitably
prevail……………unless…………….why yes! The one and only way to defeat my
foe was at my fingertips at last! I took off my cap and shoes and faced that
mammoth storm. With a deep inhalation I leaped into my foe with a victorious
laugh. Yes, INTO my foe. INTO the rain.
What had once been my enemy, the antithesis of delightful,
had now become the joy of my heart as it facilitated a stage on which to dance.
Rather than fight the rain, I embraced it and in that moment felt free from the
oppression it had placed on me throughout the day. The power of that choice
left the rain defenseless against my joy.
The moral of the story: No matter the storm you may be
facing, you have a choice. You can fight it, or you can embrace it. Either way
you’ll probably get dirty, but only one way will you find joy.
