Bring the Rain
For the past 4 days, it has rained in the afternoon, some
days more than others, bringing much needed coolness to us. Not only has the
rain brought some cool air, but with it has come some memorable experiences. On
Friday, we took all the school kids to a nearby beach and 35 of us rode in the
back of a flatbed truck with a cage around it, playing dodge the tree branches
all the way there. The water was beautiful and so refreshing, but what made the
day was a massive storm that was rolling in off the Caribbean. One of the boys
I have grown close to, Wesh, was in the water with me and was fascinated at
watching this powerful storm creep in to shore. He was scared, but wouldn’t
admit it, as most kids do, haha. It was a moment packed full with God’s power
being unveiled in the storm and the intricacy of a child’s wonder colliding
with it. It is in these intersections, between the unfathomable power of God’s
creation and the small, delicacy of a child, that we can so clearly discern the
impression of God’s design for human life within God’s kingdom.
Alright, enough theological talk, I hope I didn’t lose you
there! One last thing that God delivered to us through the rain was a wild game
of soccer in the thick of the storm. It was more a mix of splashing each other
with puddles and running around crazily, with an occasional moment of soccer
thrown in to keep it real. No one really knew what was going on but that made
it all the more fun. We all need to just let loose and jump in puddles
sometimes, don’t we?
Rain has also come in some other forms this past week. As a
team, we have had some serious struggles. From people’s frustrations about our
roles and purpose here at Canaan Orphanage to personality and perspective
clashes within our group, things have not been easy on that front.
Nevertheless, we all thoroughly believe that God is challenging us to grow us
as a team and individuals, teaching us to lay down our pride, selfishness, and
inflexibility with each other and the world. Knowing this to be the eventual
outcome of our struggles this week, we can faithfully say, “bring the rain, God,” for whatever is
best for your kingdom to be built in and through us. And thankfully, today
(7/19/10) we saw some tensions ease and spirits lift within our group, having a
time tonight to really connect on fun and deep levels.
So when the rains come in your life, both physically and
spiritually, take them with joy and faith. Rains can provide us with
refreshment, set us free to wonder and rejoice, and push us to trust God’s
benevolence and faithfulness during storms. May you find God in whatever rains
will come into your life. God will be there when the clouds break, because
He/She is already holding your umbrella.
I love reading all of your comments, so thank you for taking
the time! Please send me an email at [email protected]
to keep in closer contact. Thanks and God bless you in every moment.
