For one of my classes this year we are reading through this book called "Space for God" and making reflections on the reflections in the book. I just wanted to share this one with you and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I will add my comments after it....by the way, thanks those who have been leaving comments-it's nice to know that people are still reading my blogs. Here's the reflection:
"....Water is always an invitation to immersion[for me], an immersion with a quality of totality, since it would accept all of me, as I am. Some primal urge invites me to return whence I came. At times I have done so. There is some special delight in simply walking into a stream, stepping into a lake. The child's delight in a puddle is my adult's in the sea...No rain falls that I do not at once hear in the sound of the falling water an invitation to come to the wedding. It is rare that I do not answer. A walk in an evening rain in any setting is to walk in the midst of God's loving attention to his earth, and, like a baptism, is no simple washing, but a communication of life. When you hurry in out of the rain, I hurry out into it, for it is a sign that all is well, that God loves, that good is to follow. If suffering a doubt, I find myself looking to rain as a good omen. And in rain, I always hear singin, wordless chang rising and falling. When rain turns to ice and snow I declare a holiday. I could as easily resist as stay at a desk with a parade going by in the street below. I cannot hide the delight that then possesses my heart. Ony God could have surprised rain with such a change of dress as ice and snow... Most people love rain, water. Snow charms all young hearts. Only when you get older and bones begin to feel dampness, when snow becomes a traffic probelm and a burden in the driveway, when wet means dirt-then the poetry takes flight and God's love play is not noted. But I am still a child and have no desire to take on the ways of death. I shall continue to heed water's invitation, the call of the rain. We are in love and lovers are a little mad."
-Matthew Kelty, Flute Solo, "Reflections of a Trappist Hermit", pg 117-119
I really enjoyed this reflection by Kelty. I too love rain, but find it's only welcome when I am in a good mood. Rarely, or come to think of it, I have never thought of it as a sign from God or as a way that He communicates with us. But it is true. When we become baptized, it is done in water. When rain comes down, it connects with our skin as if God himself is touching us. It is another wonderful way of communication between God and us. I think God meant for us to enjoy rain. I'm not too sure I agree with the author about snow and ice. I don't really like snow too much, but I guess if I really think about it snow is more tangible than rain. We can connect with God by enjoying his creation and actually playing with it, like when we make snowmen or have snowball fights.
I guess rain is another way that God tells us to remember Him and how He can shower us with blessings. I have to remember to fully appreciate the rain even when I'm not in a great mood.
