Author’s Note
The three great elemental sounds in nature are the sound of rain, the sound of wind in a primeval wood, and the sound of outer ocean on a beach.
--Henry Beston
Reflections
One of the most beautiful relaxing, sounds in nature is the sound of rain during a rainstorm. Whether it is the sound made by the raindrops striking a metal roof, striking the side of a tent, or falling on the forest, the sound the rain makes is mesmerizing, a soothing medicine for the soul.
Although to me the sound of rain is a blessing, to many rainy days contribute to depression and sadness. Researchers have shown this is caused by a decrease in serotonin levels caused by the lack of sunshine. This creates a craving for high carbohydrate food to increase the serotonin levels, leading an unhealthy way to combat depression. Researchers have also shown that during rainstorms, atmospheric changes lead to changes in pressure exerted on nerves and joints leading to various aches and pains experienced by some people.
A recognized mood disorder called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is associated with a lack of sunshine. People who live in regions of the world where long winters are experienced, are prone to developing this disorder. It has been shown people who suffer from SAD are likely to develop a substance abuse disorder as well.
So, which is it? Should we think of falling rain as God’s gift to us, or as something to be depressed about. I would argue we should think of falling rain as God’s gift to us!
Rain makes things grow, rain nourishes, rain strengthens, rain brings new life, rain brings rainbows. We need rain like the plants need rain, a means for spiritual and mental growth.
“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:25
By viewing rain as a gift from God we can use stormy days as a time to reflect on the symbolism of rain in our lives. We will then be able to see rain as a positive force in our lives, offering cleansing, happiness, and calmness during times of adversity.
One of my favorite descriptions of what it is like to experience a rainstorm is found in John Muir’s essay, A Windstorm in the Forests, found in a chapter in his 1894 book, The Mountains of California:
. . . [N]ever before did I enjoy so noble an exhilaration of motion. The slender tops fairly flapped and swished in the passionate torrent, bending and swirling backward and forward, round and round, tracing indescribable combinations of vertical and horizontal curves, while I clung with muscles firm braced, like a bobo-link on a reed. . . . I kept my lofty perch for hours, frequently closing my eyes to enjoy the music by itself, or to feast quietly on the delicious fragrance that was streaming past.
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Silent Prayer
Oh, creator God, help us smell the rain, feel the wind, and live our life to be the light to others!
Music
Let the Rain Fall Down by Larry Norman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnjVN-pUpj4
My woman left me, felt like she left me for another manYou know it came as some surprise, it wasn't in thePlanShe never told me nothing was wrong, she didn't give meA clueBut one morning there was a knock on the doorAnd I found out we were through.I saw my future fading and with the papers in my handI found myself transported into this desert land.My feet are burning, the hour is getting lateMy journey is much too long and time will not wait.So Heavenly Father, thou who all doth seeYou let the rain fall down on the good and the badSo let the rain fall down on me.As through this life you ramble and through this worldYou roamYou might live in a lot of places and never find yourHome.As down the road you wander and through the open fieldsYou crossYou must never stop believing for all is not lost.And don't worry 'bout the unfaithful lover and falseFriendFor the love that you have given is what matters in theEnd.So Heavenly Father, thou who all doth seeYou let the rain fall down on the good and the badSo let the rain fall down on me.Life is complicated, very hard to liveI try to turn my cheek to everything my enemies give.I've got a lot of compassion for the sinners and theSlavesI've got a message for those not in their gravesHe will cover you with water and baptize your painIf you let his power wash you clean and soothe yourFevered brainSo Heavenly Father, help me thine to beYou let the rain fall down on the quick and the deadSo let the rain fall down on me.I didn't know you were my father,I thought you were the hanging judge,And when I came into your courtroomI thought you'd hold a grudge.I thought I was a lowly servantI didn't know I was your sonAnd I didn't know you had forgivenessFor anything I might have done.This world is crumbling, your kingdom is at handGive me the strength to live and help me to stand.There's gonna be a collision, the world is going fastA mortgaged future meets a bankrupt past.A change is coming and people slumber in their bedStorm clouds are bringing rain and the moon is turningRed.Heavenly Father, thou who all doth seeYou let the rain fall down on the quick and the deadSo let the rain fall down on me.Let this good life be the life we leadLet our faith grow like a mustard seedLet his love be all the love we needTo carry us all the way home.
Have a great day!
Barry
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