We live in Southern California where dry summers and arid, blue skies reign. And after a remarkably dry winter, the word drought, is heard often in these parts. But lately…something has been happening…
Many of the days over the last few weeks have met us with clouds rolling in. The light has dimmed and the air has cooled and the children and I have peeked out the windows to see and to feel that sense of coming rain. Many times, we’ve gotten droplets. A few plip…plop, plip…plops. Enough to make little specks on the dry, parched boards of the porch. To bring a crispness to the air, hope to our hearts. But the drops are few. We could sit and count them as they land most days if we wanted to. But when a hand is reached out, even those few sparse drops are heavenly. We’re surrounded by dry and dying plants. Tall and mighty pines aching for wet soil just as much as we are. Yet it doesn’t come. Each day those clouds roll in–taunting with their load of cool, wet comfort–we watch in wonder if today might be the day.
If today might be the day.
We watch and wait to see if the rains will come down, soak the land that’s hungry for it. As we all are.
It’s got me to thinking. Each time the children and I tiptoe outdoors and peer up at a dimming sky, I’m reminded that all things come in due time. Perhaps it’s what we long for, what we ache for, but perhaps God is still there whispering — not yet. Not yet, my children.
And so we wait. We trust. That one day, the blessing will rain down.
And when it does…what a day it will be. My children talk about how they’ll run in the rain. I’ll be out there too. And when that day comes, I’ll hold close the promise that droughts aren’t forever. All good things come in due time.
In due time. And on that day, it’s going to be glorious.
Have there been times in your life when you’ve been waiting on the rain? How has God met you there?
This is such a timely post for me, Joanne! As God has been using clouds and rain for months to speak to me about waiting, about blessing, about harvesting fruit. I love that song by Jesus Culture, Let it Rain. Sometimes I put it on repeat. Thanks for sharing this post!
I’m so glad Jessica. And I’m doubly glad to hear how God has been using this time in your life! And oh yes! I love that song by Jesus Culture. Such a great one!
In waiting mode right now in a big way and I’ll admit, last night the figurative rain REALLY got to me. But God met me through an amazing conversation with my sister. And he’s met me through posts like this…reminding me there’s beauty in the wait. That he’s growing my trust and patience every day.
Bless your heart, Melissa. What an amazing thing to hear how God worked through your sister to encourage you. There IS beauty in the wait– well said! Praying for you in this time.
Great thoughts, Joanne, and I hope you get that rain soon! There are definitely dry times in life, when we forget the feel of rain and start to believe it will always be dry and parched. God’s “seasons” of life don’t usually run on our schedules! But when He does open the doors of heaven and rains blessing down on us, we know it is from Him and can praise Him all the more.
Me too, Heather! It’s so, so dry. I LOVE the rain, so I’m really looking forward to that day. 🙂 And such wisdom you’ve shared, on how God’s seasons don’t often run on our schedules. But yes, those doors opening are a miraculous thing indeed!
This post is so beautiful and full of hope and promise, Joanne. Thank you so much! Living in the high desert with a rain-loving soul, I sometimes wonder why God didn’t plant me somewhere where the skies open more often. But then, after a week of hope-rolling clouds covering us every afternoon, they finally let loose on us on Sunday and OH, did it pour. …to the point of flash flooding and surround-sound thunder like I’ve never heard and lightning dancing in every direction. And I thought– these moments are home for my heart (okay, more so the peaceful waning of the storm afterward), and they’re all the sweeter for the rarity, the wait, even the intensity when they come. Thank you for the reminder to savor the sweetness in the waiting. Standing with you today to “hold close the promise that droughts aren’t forever.” <3
You’ve really touched on something so poignant, Amanda. I’m a rain-lover to, and coming from a dry climate, I often wonder if it’s the rarity of the rain that makes us crave it so. Just like someone from Portland might crave the sunshine. God’s blessings, in their moderation, can be more powerful and significant to us often, then the abundance of our heart’s desires. A lesson I’m slowly learning and thankful for your wisdom along that path <3
Perfectly ordained post for my life on this day. My husband and I wait…and wait…and wait some more for God to sell one, if not both, of the houses we have on the market. We pray. We cry out. We remind Him and ourselves that we want this for greater freedom to serve…and we still wait. Thank you for this hope!
Bekah, I am so grateful this post was a blessing to you and timely in your own season of waiting. I often think that in those times of waiting, God is shaping us and preparing us for whats to come. Trusting HE has that perfect plan for you and your family right along with you.
So aptly spoken, Joanne. What a deep thinker and gifted writer you are! We wait together. The rain will come. In the meantime, we thank Him for the lessons learned in the drought.
Thank you Mona. I think of you often with your books and stories. I’ll be praying for your own seasons as you continue to write for HIM. Hugs!
Joanne, I hope you guys get some good rain soon. After such a long drought, will you and your kids go out and dance in the rain?
My season of drought is waiting on my husband-to-be to arrive in my life. Such a lonely time. But God’s meeting me, whispering sweet things to me. Even though He’s saying “Not yet” about my husband-to-be, He’s showing me new things about myself, helping me heal from broken scenarios of my past, and creating a better me who will be able to shine brighter when my hubby-to-be arrives and we start our family. Even though this time is difficult, God is using it to make me stronger.
How is your aunt doing? If that doesn’t mean anything to you, I’ve remembered the right relative with the wrong person. Life is so busy.
Blessings,
Andrea
Oh yes! There will be dancing in the rain 🙂 And thank you, I’m hoping it comes soon, too!
Wow, I’m so touched by the outpouring of your heart. Your husband-to-be…that just fills my heart. I’ll be praying for you and for him as God continues to mold your paths closer together. Such a wise young woman you are as you allow God to create a “better you”. I love that. I’m going to hold onto that myself. And I just know your hubby to be will be blessed by it!
And thank you! My aunt is faring well. Still in the midst of chemo and her most recent update was very encouraging. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness.
Joanne, I’m glad your aunt’s latest update was an encouraging one. I know that can boost spirits quickly and give enough energy for the next round. I pray she continues to have such positive reports.
Thank you for praying for my husband-to-be and me. That means the world to me, as did your words: “And I just know your hubby will be blessed by it!” Thank you for saying that. Very encouraging and just what I needed to hear to shore up my spirits for the next round in this waiting game.
Bless you,
Andrea
Waiting on the rain…being thankful in the dry seasons. I was just so blessed by this post and it will be one I re-read from time to time as the message restores the drought laden soul. Thanks for opening your heart with words that inspire and encourage. Hugs!
You of all people are such an inspiration to ME in that waiting in the rain time. I watch you walk through those seasons of drought with such trust and it’s a blessing to watch. Hugs!
Such beauty in the words of this post, Joanne – thank you for the reminder!!
We all experience periods of waiting, God knows just when we need them- for strengthening, lessons to be learned, and a closer relationship with Him!! My current wait is for another health diagnosis – however, I’m thankful to know that while I wait, He is working things for my good. He is a faithful, never-failing God!!
Praying for you!! Love and hugs!!
P.S. I left comments on your previous post tonight, also, and am sharing this post!!
Why thank you Bonnie! It’s such a joy to see you here. SO true– those seasons of waiting truly are a blessing in they way we have the opportunity to learn lessons, grow and draw closer to Him. Praying for you and your health as God continues to walk with you through this season. Hugs!
What a beautiful post…and as a fellow Southern California resident, I know what you mean. 🙂 You write so beautifully, and with gentle grace that makes me ponder. Thank you!
Why thank you, Kiersti! That is so encouraging. And I love hearing that you are a Southern California girl as well. Hopefully one day we will bump into one another! 🙂