Flirting with the Rain.

I'm in a good mood.
Not that that's rare. But today, right now, I'm in an exceptionally good mood.
Life is good.
Stressful, confusing, and challenging as ever? Yep.
Yet exciting, entertaining, and fulfilling? Of course.

Now. I'm going to say a word. And I want you to think about that word. Think hard. Focus on the emotions it brings with it. Faces. Names. Stories. Experiences.

Ready?

Here goes....

Flirting.

HA. What?
I know right?

But we've all done it. Do it. Remember it. Look forward to it. Whether your single, promised, restarting, or married, it's true. And secretly, deep down, you love it.

There's just something about those fluttering butterflies in your stomach, the painted smile on your face, and the laugh. You know the laugh. It's the same one you had when you were a little girl. (Or little boy, come on now... boys get this feeling too don't they? I mean.. they've got to right? Okay fine. Maybe you're right. Maybe it is just a girl thing...)


I guess you could describe it like they do in primary... you know, as having that "warm fuzzy" feeling.
However you put it, we, as humans, enjoy it.

So..... hold that thought.

The other day I was reading an article for my class.
It's title?
Thirsty in the Rain.

I thought about that for a minute. And of course, one of my sappy philosophical posts immediately came to mind. As usual. But seriously we've all had enough of those. So I will just say a little bit. Without the sap.

Thirsty in the Rain. How many times have we been thirsty in the rain? How many times do we float through the most enjoyable times of our lives wondering when things are going to get better? How many times do we wish for so much more when we have more than most could ever ask for?

And then, my mind started to wander... (as it usually does when I'm trying to do homework... seriously what is my problem. I'd rather scoop up the dog poop from my parent's backyard than read my darn textbook. You may as well hand me the User's Manual to any appliance or new car- I mean really. Who can honestly read those anyway?! The print is at least 10 pt. font and the words are way beyond my vocabulary.)


To....this...

I decided, yet again, that I love the rain. I even love the thought of rain.
I love rain so much, that sometimes, I honestly feel like I am flirting with the rain.
I get butterflies when I see it coming.
I dance around and giggle like a little girl.
I smile the entire time is soaks into my skin.
And I never want it to end.

Rain makes me remember the good things in life. It slows me down. Makes me think.

I love it in all seasons. For all different reasons.

I love rain in the summer. I love how it's warm when it hits my skin, and the sun never stops shining while it falls.
I love rain in the fall. I love how it spots the fallen leaves and clears the air like the vacuum salesman that cleaned my mom's carpets the other day. (She was there for two full hours...needless to say, I think we just might have ourselves a new vacuum...)
And I love rain in the winter. What? I know I know, it pretty much never happens. But sometimes, just sometimes, it does. And there is nothing sweeter than watching the rain drizzle down the window panes like a cold shower on a hot day. It's so rare. Unique. Mind boggling. Yet real. And that is why I love it. I appreciate it.

Because sometimes. No, most times, the best things in life are just that.
Rare.
Unique.
Mind Boggling.
Yet real.

And it's during times like that that you know He knows. You know He had you in mind when He made this person late here, and that person show up there. Because as unique as you are, as rare as they come, and as mind boggling as it may seem, it's real. He is real. And so is His plan for you. And me. So is His plan for us.

And I just so happen to be living that.

So what is my point? What does flirting have to do with anything? (Besides the fact that I may or may not have flirted with a cute boy today. Come on, I'm in college! That's what I'm supposed to do isn't it? At least that's what my Grandma tells me...)


Maybe nothing. But maybe something. (You know I never plan these things out before I write...)

My point is this.

Don't let the rains of life pass you by. Dance in it. Flirt with it. Let it wash away your worries, and puddle up your stress. Let it slow you down, and make you think. Take time to wrap up in a blanket and watch it fall. Watch it trickle down your window or pound against your sidewalk. Let your children run in it. Without shoes on. Without a jacket. Let them discover who they want to become. And strive to become that person as you watch.

Because it is during those times that we can step back and remember the rare joys of life. The unique circumstances in which we live. The mind boggling things we are blessed with, and people we are blessed to know.

And as you do that, as you smile and giggle.. as you flirt with those rain clouds and let their rain drops put butterflies in your stomach, I promise you will realize everything you have, everything you've been given, and everything you are, is real.

Because some things...those things...in life are worth it.

Think about it.

Until the next storm,
R.