Dancing in the Rain

Children hold the key to a happy life. They are trusting by nature. They are innocent in their thinking, and they know how to enjoy life to the fullest instinctively.

When my children were younger they loved to go out and play in the rain. I have joyful memories of  their little voices begging me, Mommy, if there's no thunder, can we go out in the rain?

With joy I would stand at the door and watch them jump around and dance in the rain. It was full living at its best as they splashed in the puddles. Sometimes they would dance with umbrellas, or they would make a tent of umbrellas on the driveway. Sometimes they would simply stand in the rain on the edge of the street feeling the rush of water flowing between their toes.

The rain didn’t stop them from simply enjoying the day.

A downpour of rain doesn’t hinder a child’s ability to embrace the moment and fully live.

This is how our Father in heaven wants us to live out our lives. When He created us He never intended for us to endure life. His original idea was for us to see Him in the midst of the rain showers and enjoy life to the fullest.

God knew life wouldn't be perfect or easy. I believe His greatest desire is for us to rely on Him in the midst of the rainy days. When we’re dependent upon Him, He continually pours out His grace and love onto our lives in the most unimaginable ways.

Several years ago while praying, I heard words in my spirit that changed my perspective.

"If you stay on the path with Me, you will not be disappointed." God whispered to my heart.

At first I was thinking, "How can that be possible?" But I soon understood what the Lord was trying to get me to understand. He wanted me to know that if I followed Him and stayed close to His heart in the midst of the things that would normally be disappointing to me, He would turn my mourning into dancing instantaneously. His words have proved to be true in my life. I can honestly say—because I have been so wrapped up in His love—that disappointment has not penetrated my heart during the past several years.

Life is full of difficulties and challenges. But when Jesus is the center of our lives, His love overshadows everything else.

My friend and mentor, Bonnie, had a gift for expressing this truth. She said, "With Christ, there are no disappointments. The challenges in life are HIS-appointments." Bonnie passed away in 2008. Her faith in Christ lives on in my heart. She danced in the rain more than anyone I've ever known. The beautiful life she lived continually spurs me on to dance and live fully alive in every circumstance.

Leaning on our own strength leads to more disappointment. It's when we lean on Jesus that we see His glory.

Why not choose the latter?  Why not take the risk to see His Glory in your life? Choose joy. Choose life. 

When the rains pours down, choose to turn toward Jesus and dance.

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness. ~ Psalm 30:11 (NAS Bible)

Children of Zion, celebrate! Be glad in your God. He’s giving you a teacher to train you how to live right—Teaching, like rain out of heaven, showers of words to refresh and nourish your soul, just as He used to do. ~ Joel 2:23 (The Message)

Live Abundantly!

Amy 

This post has been updated and revised from a piece I wrote in August, 2009.