Something about a rainy day awakens my pen. Sure, a cozy blanket and cup of tea are delightful when storms roll in, but nothing compares to listening to an instrumental melody in the midst of a consistent shower as I scribe my imaginations. The combination of chords and a wet outpouring serve as the perfect muse. Perhaps that is why some of our most enjoyed pieces of literature hail from rainy Great Britain.
The very words used for precipitation are inspiring. Sometimes the weather sprinkles in a new idea or two, while other times a deluge of thought floods the mind and page. Fluffy clouds often bring to mind a mizzle of feelings, but a dark covering carries in a torrent of intense emotions. The sounds of rainfall on a tin roof drizzle a certain charm, yet a streak of lightning escorted by the sound of thunder brings a cloudburst of fear and excitement.
Think of the sensation associated with a mist, flurry, or spate! Few words can titillate quite as effectively as those associated with raindrops.
Our human forms consist largely of water and we are easily enthralled by it. A ruffled toddler can mellow under a sprinkler as children revel in barreling down a Slip 'N Slide. Teens frequent the community pool, and young adults ride ocean waves. Beach trips commemorate family splashes, and seniors drive to admire waterfalls.
What of music? Do tears form in your eyes at the sound of a favored church hymn? Or does your foot stomp with excited drumming. Is there an iconic tone that transports you back to your adolescence? What emblematic song symbolizes your idealism of romance?
The eerily soothing notes of Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" wisp me off to dreamland while the keys of his "Für Elise" invite all things beautiful.
Summer seems to usher in a rush of light-hearted jingles but I love the sultry guitar of Santana with Rob Thomas vocals in "Smooth." I am a sucker for all things violin from Bach to Lindsey Stirling and a life-long regret is my abandonment of violin lessons.
Don't get me started on Adele's range or the prophetic worship of Kim Walker-Smith. I may have laid down the bow but maybe I will write a worship song someday.
Can you imagine the strings of the cello while watching a stream travel over rocks or feel the warmth of a campfire with the strumming of the guitar. I can, and I am thankful for a mother and aunts who played many instruments against the backdrop of the family farm.
In all the attempts to move closer to a secure attachment, we ought to endeavor to connect to what composed our core. The memories linked with affection and joy should be memorialized.
All inner healing requires the work of addressing memories. Often, the focus is on healing the bad ones, but healing also comes from recalling the good times.
Mostly the best of times are not admirable because of this or that, but because of a synergy of perfections. The heart was lightened because of good news when all came together to enjoy tasty flavors and heartfelt laughter. Or the air was clearer than usual, when a vigorous hike rewarded a spectacular view. A beautiful sunset is just a little more breathtaking while on holiday.
Our spiritual senses are similar. Reading the scriptures by a dim office light is not nearly as impactful as on the porch while birds sing and the sun rises. How much stronger are praises after a long-awaited prayer is answered?
Our spiritual development is similar to our natural maturing. We understand that education is needed for growth, so we go to school and we study our Bible. By God's mercy we occasionally stumble into His presence and are forever changed. Like children who feel loved by our caregivers, we learn that God loves us, and we see His provision.
But what of the mystique and our part in creating an ambiance for the appearing?
We bake treats of sugar, play carols, and fill the room with aromas of cinnamon to prepare for Christmas. Similar alluring can invite the sibylline.
Why not engage our efforts and senses to experience another perspective of our God? Could your faith use some refreshment? Have you been seeking the Lord the same way for a long time? Have you ever thought of yourself as in love with the Lord? Do you enjoy your pursuit of God?
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