“God will bless us with showers of rain when we need it."
~ Ezekiel 34:26
The atmosphere was warm and
inviting, coaxing patrons in with its freshly ground scents and irresistible
charm. Such was the Coffee Oasis, a
place teeming with a rich assortment of life.
Brandon parked at his usual table near the window, watching
the world streak past, writing each customer’s life story in his mind as he
sipped a dark blend. He longed for
someone to share this joint’s coziness with.
Outside, the sky let loose torrents of water as raindrops
raced each other down the windowpane.
Brandon fumbled with an old, rusty window catch, forcing it open just
enough to inhale the rich earthly aroma of fresh precipitation.
For most, the day stung with disappointment. Showers like these spoil outside activities,
cause sickness, and aggravate moodiness.
Brandon however, saw it as a life-giving blessing that cools
the earth and flushes the ground of toxins.
Listening to the rhythmic pitter-patter of raindrops can be therapeutic. It also means you don’t have to make excuses
not to go out if all you feel like doing is puttering about indoors.
Just then something in the corner of my eye made Brandon
squint for more clarity. A flash of
bright pink, gone for a moment, then reappearing. As it got closer, Brandon eyed a woman,
in a pink rain jacket, moving at a snail’s pace in a wheelchair.
He grabbed his umbrella and ran outside into the pouring
rain. “Do you need any help . . . or a
dry resting spot?” he asked nervously.
She gave him an odd look, then a warm smile. “I appreciate it, but the rain feels great
against my skin. I’m out here and going
slow on purpose.”
As Brandon watched her wheel on down the pathway, he realized
with a jolt that she was the only one taking advantage of the weather and
having fun. As much as he appreciated
the rain, he wasn’t doing anything to enjoy it. Brandon loved her sentiment – talk about the
epitome of appreciating life.
“Wait, wait!” he shouted.
“Can I buy you a cup of coffee or something?”
She turned and giggled flirtatiously. “Only if you’ll join me at a table outside,”
she teased. And so they did – 11 years
and two babies ago.
Life’s about dancing in the rain and taking the
opportunities as they come. It seemed
that Brandon and the girl that eventually became his wife were the only two people
who realized it that day. Not everything
that we see around us is going to last forever.
So we have to pause long enough to enjoy it all.
“May God give you . . . for every storm, a
rainbow, for every tear, a smile, for every care, a promise, and a blessing in
each trial. For every problem God sends,
a faithful friend to share, for every sigh, a sweet song, and an answer for
each prayer.” ~ Irish Prayer
