Singin’ in the Rain
It was an early Sunday morning as I sat with my coffee. The drone of the TV cut through the quiet, my pastor husband had already left for church, and I was watching to see if I might get a sense of the weather. It was a day when the sky looked as if it could break one way or another. Should I carry my umbrella, or strap on sandals? A silly question, but my foggy mind was just coming awake.
I seemed to hear that intermittent showers were in the area, but south of where we were located. It looked as though we might escape another wet morning. We were due for a break, the sun would feel like a welcome guest. I swallowed my coffee and proceeded to get ready.
An hour or so later, I stood watching as the rain come down in blinding sheets. Standing in our church welcome area, I had a clear view through the glass doorway of the wet vista in front of me. I almost sensed being on the edge of a pool. The rain was causing rivulets in the parking lot and along the curbing where sidewalk met street. The fierceness of the storm’s tyrade could not be overstated. It seemed to blow up out of nowhere, defied the weatherman’s prediction, and was coming at us with a fury and intensity that felt unbridled. I lamented the fact that worship attendance would be down, people would choose not to make their way from the shelter of their car to our building. This Sunday the rain would win and good intentions would be washed away.
And then I saw him. Trudging across the parking lot, umbrella in tow, khaki pants drenched…he had walked to church! In the midst of the pounding rain…the kind of droplets that actually splash upwards as they hit the ground, he ventured out of his warm home to God’s house! His pant legs had a visible line six inches above his shoe marking the difference between being completely soaked and just wet. I knew if I had twisted and wrung them out, water would have accumulated in a bowl. There was no escaping the elements. It didn’t matter to him…of real importance was finding his way to church that morning.
Have you ever heard an expression that goes something like this, “Soaking wet, he’s all of about ninety pounds?” In this case, it’s gospel! That’s all this sixth grader must weigh! At that moment, the sun shone brightly, or so it seemed. A young boy, without his parents or even his older brother that particular morning, found his way to worship. He didn’t stop to analyze the weather, the chance of getting wet, what shoes to wear, or if his trip would be worth it. He just opened the umbrella and walked from his door to ours, because that’s where he belonged, no matter the reasons not to go.
I felt a rare sense of privilege…standing and watching that scene play out. It is my responsibility to stand and greet arrivals, but they were few and far between that day. Like the weatherman, I found myself making predictions…with that little bit of sunshine, unexpected.
Unexpected, but not unnoticed. I won’t soon forget that soggy morning. The scripture declaring, “and a little child shall lead them,” took on new significance. His gym shoes squeaked with water as he went to grab a donut. Did I really catch myself tapping my shoe to the strains of “Singin’ in the Rain?” If not, I should have been…it was that kind of beautiful, joy-filled and holy moment.
[Image by: Madddy]
You are so poetic in your writings… you should write a book!!
thanks, Krys….for your kind comments, you inspire confidence!
I appreciate your words, and your checking out musings!
Jeanne, Thanks for sharing. I especially enjoy your pictures as they add to the feel of your words.
Janelle, thank you for taking the time to read my sentiments. The picture….I owe to my "blog" and tech mentor, Graham! But, I couldn't have chosen a better picture myself.
That young man's umbrella happened to be red!
Jeanne,
Your descriptions are so vivid I could almost feel the rain. There is a very special feeling of need that draws us to God's house, no matter what the weather.
Good morning, Lou! The sun is shining today, and your comments gave that feeling to me as well. Finding our place of belonging truly makes every day sunny, doesn't it!
Thanks for sharing.
Jeanne, your rainy day description reminds us we can find shining moments in an otherwise gloomy day. Keep up the great work on your blog!!
Your intimate descriptions of seeminly insignificant life happenings are truly inspiring. I see God's picture of His world through your words. Thank you for sharing your thoughts so vividly.
Dear Jeanne,
Thank you for this wonderful gift! Keep writing….I felt like I was right there with you. Now I am trying to guess who this faith-filled child might be… or perhaps its best not to know and cherish all.
Jan D.