It has been raining here in BC. It is pervasive, daily and, at times, a deluge. I avoid complaining about the weather, it seems so pointless, but now, after weeks of it, I am getting annoyed.
So I move to gratitude. Sometimes, I am overwhelmed with it. It swamps me in its intensity on occasion and I feel so in awe of what I have. But other times, like today, it is a decision. And at those times, as I look at the weather app desperately looking for a day where the sun is out long enough to dry the deck and the night is warm enough to let the stain dry completely overnight and I sigh. Nope, yet again, I can’t finish the job I started last year before I left for the summer.
But I look around me and notice the evergreens tipped with a lighter green buds, and trees draped in bright flowers of every color imaginable. Last year, we were already on fire watch. Today, the fog keeps everything but my yard draped in mystery.
So I closed my eyes this morning, first thing, before Byron rose, before even the dog stopped snoring, and my meditation prompt read into my headphones.
‘If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.’ No wonder Dolly Parton is such a good songwriter.
And I let my mind catch and let go of the people in my life going through difficult times. God has them in the palm of His hand. I accept that I will be preoccupied with the wedding preparations. But I let those go because right now I’m enjoying the peace of the morning. I listen to the soft sound of rain and I welcome the grace.
And when I do open my eyes I catch sight of the birdbath that Irene gave me before she died, now filled with rocks I’ve collected and had gifted to me, where water pools and the birds drink. And, somehow, the rain is perfect and still. I smile remembering her strength and her laughter.
I think of the fires last year that had already started by this time. I think of the budding trees and the Saskatoons which we didn’t even see bud last year because it was so dry.
And then I sit quietly with my coffee, watching the hummingbirds gorge and wonder if their nests are full yet.
And I remember that the rain has a reason.
And for this moment, in this life, I am overwhelmed again with gratitude.
Everyday Muses 