Rain.
It is one of those things that serves a purpose, but more often than not, our natural reaction is to run from it, inside, to avoid getting wet. We dread rain because it dampers our plans and makes our moods dull or sad. It is a rarity for someone to willingly run out into the rain. Such an action would cause much inconvenience. I mean, think about it; our hair gets messed up, clothes become soaked, shoes ruined, makeup runs down our faces. Getting in the car after being in the rain causes even more of a disaster, spreading the moisture onto every surface you touch.
Being caught in the rain is rarely, if ever, an enjoyable experience.
Wouldn't life be so much better if we had sunshine all the time? Our natural reaction is to say, "Yes" without hesitation. But, really, think about it. Although sunshine makes for beautiful days, good moods, opportunities to be outdoors, sun tans and the like, a world with incessant sun would actually do more harm than good, as with "too much" of anything. An abundance of sunshine causes dried out grass and plants, droughts, lack of accessible water, etc. Which can lead to death.
Occasionally rain turns into the even more dreaded storm. Which then produces thunder, lightning, and even hail. Talk about a buzzkill. Too much rain causes washing away of plant life and nutrients, flooding, flash floods, etc. Which can also lead to death. What are you able to do during such a time, other then stay indoors? You have to do what everyone must to do in times like these... wait for the rain to end.
We need ample sunshine and rain in order to survive. This is one of the great processes of life. The combination of sun and rain causes growth and productivity. Almost everyone is quick to run outside when a beautiful day graces us with its presence. Being outdoors makes us feel alive and refreshed. Smelling the fresh air, going for a walk or run, playing a sport, walking the dog, etc. are just some of those things that make you smile. When I was a child, if it was a beautiful day out, one of the first things my mother would say to my siblings and me was, "Go outside and play!"
However, as soon as the first rain drop fell from the sky, instinctively we headed straight indoors. We avoided getting wet as much as possible. In life, there is both sunshine and rain. Sometimes there is an abundance of sun, just like sometimes, there is a plethora of rain. There is beauty in all kinds of weather, as there is beauty in all phases of life. Instead of being so quick to rush out of the storm, it is good to see the beauty in the midst of it. So often we chase the sunshine and run from the rain when, in all actuality, what we need to do is embrace the rain where we are and wait for the storm to pass.
Because sunshine will always follow the rain... it has to.
