Short Spiritual Practices - Day 9

Day Nine
Focusing thought
Believe or not, one of my (Rev. Gail) favorite things to do at the cottage is to sit in the screened in porch and watch a thunderstorm on the lake.  At home, I like to sit on our front porch.  Rob Fennell asks: "is rain a nuisance or a blessing to you?" Many of us hurry to get out of the rain, or ensure that we have an umbrella, or a coat with a hood to stay dry.
What about if we tried another approach for a change?

The Practice
The next time it is a rainy day, just this once, go right out into the open wetness of it all and turn your face upwards.  Forget the umbrella or hood - just enjoy the rain.
Be like a child again.  
At Grace's summer camp on water, the children laughed and shrieked with delight at they played with water balloons in the rain on their last day.
For a brief moment, allow the rain to run over your cheeks, your eyes, gently soak into your hair.
And, if this is really too much for you - sit and watch intentionally from the safety of your porch, balcony, or window as the rain gently soaks the earth, and forms wet drops on the grass and flowers around you.
Consider how rain can be the briefest reminder of God's desire to bless you.  In this simple, natural action, remember God's blessing on you as a child of God, and the receive the grace of the Source of Life.
Turn a grateful heart to the one who made you and loved you.

Peace,
Rev. Gail
​Adapted from a resource by Rob Fennell, and used with permission

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