April Showers

The saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.“ The beauty and rebirth of springtime would not be possible without those showers. Granted, it has its ‘limitations.’ Most of us are not puddle ducks that rejoice over wet and soggy conditions. Much of the pre-planning of events becomes re-planning where I live. Weather related activities can be difficult to plan around. No doubt that it impedes indoor and outdoor activities. It is inconsistent, inconvenience, and downright frustrating at best.

But, sometimes the only thing worse than a string of rainy or inclement weather is a string of complaints about the weather! We have no control over the weather; however, the response in regards to the weather is within our control.

Our life experiences are very similar to the unpredictable weather patterns. We have messy seasons that impede our plans. We have downpours in our lives that bog us down with wet and sloppy conditions. We have messes that are muddy and that we get stuck in.

Most of the storms and downpours in our life are not on the radar screen. Some can be generally predicted, depending upon circumstances in our lives, but others are those ‘pop-up storms!’ These are series of unstable air masses, or circumstances that create mini storms. Through even the best of tracking, these are difficult to forecast, and we need to create space for that initial response when they ‘pop-up!’

Take time to recognize and accept where in your life you may be experiencing any of these conditions. Pop-up changes can and do occur daily in our lives. They can impact our health, our job, or our family. Some storms are more predictable on the horizon such as dealing with sickness, job loss, or the terminal illness of a friend or loved one. Sometimes there is nothing to do to prepare for these. Your only emergency kit becomes the comfort of friends, family, and the power of prayer. Reach out and ask for help during difficult times. Let friends, family, or support groups be the umbrella that keep you comforted and dry while the rain is still coming down. Some circumstances may warrant a rowboat friend to keep you supported, uplifted, and afloat from the deep waters you feel beneath you.

Sometimes there is nothing we can do but stay in the promise of those ‘May flowers.’ The stillness that follows the beating rain can give power to the rebirth of the next step. It is here that we realize that we indeed do not have control over many circumstances; however, the response in regards to these circumstances is within our control.

So, recognize those April showers in your life and respond with a knowing, that in God’s time, the flowers will bloom afterwards because of them.

…always be the love that you are called to be