Lemon Drops and Gum Drops

Honestly, I'm very glad that all of the rain drops aren't lemon drops and gum drops. Yes...it does sound lovely-a carefree life of bliss where everything is picture perfect. Yet, in this fallen world that we live, how would growth occur without rain? Real rain. Not a light drizzle. Not a cool refreshing sprinkle. Real rain that saturates the ground so that "Life" can spring forth. The past couple of days have been quite rainy, to say the least. However, the trees in our backyard and our neighboring hills have never looked greener. Lesson #1: Rain brings LiFe. While the skies are often dark during the storm, and the rain is pouring down so hard you can barely open your eyes, the grass will never grow without rain.

Thank You Lord for the rain in my life. Lesson #2: Rain will inevitably come. The last few days I've kinda felt isolated and alone...probably partially due to returning home from project and adjusting with the transition. Still, I have the choice of dwelling on how I feel, or pressing on toward my Savior. I know, I know..the second one definitely sounds better..but how many times do I opt to pull out the self-pity card? Thank you Lord that I can pour out my heart to You.--"Trust in Him at all times. O people; Pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our Refuge." Psalm 62:8....and THANK YOU that You care enough about me to let me know when it's time to get over myself. "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials..." James 1:1. Thank You for the times when I feel lonely, and that my hunger for You grows. Thank You that as I draw near to You..you come even closer to me. Thank You for when I feel You, and for when I don't. Thank You that the "trying of my faith produces patience". Boy, do I need patience.

Thank You Lord for my bros and sistas. Thank You for those who pour into my life, and for those You enable me to pour into. Thank You that I'm NEVER alone, and that I'm part of a rockin' huge family. Thank you for the rain that prunes my character, and stimulates the processs of growth...process. Thank you for the image of the redwood tree-thousands of rings and it still began as a tiny seed. I wonder how many rains each of those things endure in a lifetime. Wowzers. It surely didn't become a tower overnight. Thank You that I must continue to be teachable/stretchable until I reach my home with You. Thank You for using the rain to wash out the things that may stunt my growth. Thank You that all of the raindrops aren't lemon drops and gum drops.