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Tag Archives: Rain

Gratitude 137: Rain

This drought is the worst in decades. Lakes and ponds are drying up. Rivers are low and running hot. Wildlife and human life suffers in times like these. We pray for rain. I find myself regretting those times I complained about the weather because I had “fun” things to do, and weather interrupted my plans. Now I awake each morning, look out at the sky and hope to see rain clouds on the horizon. Water is a precious commodity. Then, last night I heard distant rolls of thunder. Could it be? The air became heavy with humidity. I opened the doors and watched and waited as the clouds rolled in. By dusk the first drops began to fall. I don’t know how long it rained, but we were having a downpour by the time I went to bed. I awoke this morning to rain. Glorious rain. It didn’t last long after the daybreak, but when I ventured outside everything was wet; wonderfully, wildly, “welcomingly” wet! The skies stayed overcast till late this afternoon when the sun came out again. But there were intermittent sprinkles throughout the day. Did we get enough to replenish our water supplies? No. Not nearly. But every drop we did receive was welcome relief from the dryness and the heat that characterizes this summer. So, today and for many days to come, I am ecstatically grateful for rain!

p.s. If you look at Gratitude 131, it is also gratitude for rain. That was June 17. We were already experiencing drought conditions then. Today’s gratitude is the first rain we’ve had since then (other than a spit or two from the heavens now and then.)

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Perpetual Gratitude 131: Rain

This morning it rained. Our parched, burnt lawn attests to the fact that we have been in a drought. We don’t water our lawn because . . . well, because. It seems a waste when water is scarce. Droughts come and go and so does green grass. But it is surely nice when all is lush and succulent, you know, that hydrated look. We don’t have that now; just the dry, brown, brittle grass. But, it rained this morning and we are told that more is on the way. Today I am mucho grateful for the rain. Don’t you love the smell after the rains come? Fragrant and fresh. Well, that is what it smells like now, fragrant and fresh. I am grateful for the rain.

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Gratitude 124: Spring Thunder Showers

Standing on the deck, I watch the storm roll in: May 7, 2012.

There was a day when the first sound of thunder sent me fleeing for shelter in the most fortified room of the house. The sound terrified me. Even as an adult, I became vigilant and nervous as thunder rolled in. Now however, I sit here at the computer as I continue my studies, look out the window and breathe deeply. I love the smell of spring rain brought in by the storms. I watch as the clouds darken and billow, listen to the thunder rolling from horizon to horizon, and feel blessed for the privilege of enjoying another spring. Birds slice the sky as they zoom hither and thither seeking shelter, knowing as do I, that the showers are merely rinsing the air clean and quenching earth’s thirst. Of course I realize that when things go awry, the weather can bring damage and pain into our lives. But a spring thunder shower reminds me of cycles and seasons, growth and hibernation, and I am thankful for it all. So, as I spend yet another day with my never-ending coursework, I watch the storm roll in and feel deep gratitude for spring thunder showers.

Gratitude 67: Cooler temps

This summer blessed us with unusually hot temperatures. It seems that the hot weather was felt worldwide, or maybe I should say in the northern hemisphere since the southern hemisphere was in winter. At any rate, many people suffered from the extreme temperatures. As much as I love summer and the heat it brings with it, I found the hot weather oppressive. But autumn is just around the corner. As I halfheartedly tapped at my computer yesterday while listening to the rain tap against my window, it occurred to me to take a photo of the beautiful foliage that grew within arm’s length of where I sat. Also within arm’s length sat my camera, perched in its usual place on my desk. In the moments I pondered the situation, grabbed my camera and swiveled around to shoot a few “wet-weather” shots, the rain stopped, the sun shone, and the droplets on the leaves sparkled. I opened my window and surprisingly a gust of cool~almost cold~wind rushed in. What a delight! I shot off a few frames (through the screen which is what gives the water droplets a star effect) then decided to take a walk. Once outside, I discovered how much the temperatures dropped and actually had to return to the apartment for a sweater! I’m not complaining though. It comes as no surprise to anyone that I love summer. Summer’s end is usually a bittersweet time for me. But this year I welcome relief from the heat. I welcome the cold fronts and the rains that usher in cooler temperatures. It is time for summer to start drawing to a close and for autumn to move in for a while. I am grateful for cooler temperatures which herald the coming of autumn.

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Gratitude 5: Fragrance of a Spring Shower

Calla Lily after the rain.
I love how in the spring and summer one can smell rain.  And after the rain, every thing looks vivid and clean, and fragrant freshness permeates the senses.  Thank you for spring showers!