There are blessings in the rain

It can rain when you are on vacation.  Just because you dream of sunny days on the beach doesn't mean it won't rain one day.

Matthew 5:45b even says "God causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."  When Jesus speaks to those listening to his sermon on the mount, he is speaking of rain as a blessing.  God can bless whomever he chooses to bless, the righteous or the unrighteous.  If you've read my posts here and here, you'll remember I've mentioned that God isn't fair, he's good.  Rain is considered a blessing.  We shower soon to be brides and mothers with gifts.  Blessing rain down on individuals.  And it can rain pennies from heaven.  
  
In the verses surrounding this verse Jesus reminds us we have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’  But Jesus tells us, if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek.  And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.  Jesus goes even further and reminds us we have been told to love our neighbors and hate our enemies, but he wants us to love our enemies and pray for those that persecute you.  I hear Jesus saying, "it's all about love."

It rained on my vacation today.  Today's rain reminded me of these verses.  Today's rain reminded me about love.  Yesterday was a very sunny day.  I spent the entire day on the beach and playing in the pool and reading my book in the sun.  I've been playing in the sun for 10 days.  I am adept at using the suntan lotion by now.  You'd think by now, I'd know how to avoid a sunburn.  You'd be wrong.  Evidently I missed a couple spots on my left shoulder yesterday.  This carelessness in suntan lotion application has resulted in a bit of pain.  (yeah, I can hear you all loud and clear.  boo hoo hoo)  Today I would have been forced to avoid the sun.  Instead, God sent the rain.

Storm clouds rolling toward our part of the beach

There was thunder and lightening and the temperature dropped 15 degrees in ten minutes.  I thought of this storm as a gift to me.  Sweet relief for my sunburned left shoulder.  I wouldn't end up being the Debbie Downer drawing attention to myself and my pain.  I wouldn't have to remind myself of the careless (read cavalier) way I applied the suntan lotion.  I could sit, transfixed, on the balcony of my hotel room and watch the storm roll in.  So I did.  I reveled in the booming thunder and flashing lightening.  I ran inside when the rain shooed me off the balcony.  And then, this...

This rainbow dominated the horizon.  If the storm at just the right time wasn't enough to remind me of the goodness of God, this was.

The symbol of God's promise to Noah

Linking with Emily at Imperfect Prose on Thursdays
 
246.  Aloe vera gel
247.  Rainbows
248.  God's word imprinted in my memory
249.  Rain
250.  Balconies facing the ocean
251.  A day of rest (from the sun)