It doesn't seem all that long ago when, living in Melbourne in the middle of a drought, I had almost forgotten the sound of rain.
Now it seems that rain is a constant companion in this part of the world and liquid sunshine has replaced its warmer, drier counterpart.
Rain.
So welcome at the end of a long day when one can snuggle a little further under the covers and listen to the calming rhythm of drops on the roof while sleep takes its hold.
But so NOT welcome right now. Everyone is over it. And with good reason, too...the floods further north of here have been nothing short of devastating and our hot Australian summer has been replaced with a soggy, humid season in which plans are cancelled and indoor activity options are exhausted.
The funny thing is, though, that if we weren't complaining about the rain, it would be something else... too hot... too cold... too dry... the list goes on.
I think the reality is that the weather is kind of like the circumstances of life - they rarely ever feel "perfect".
There always seems to be something we want to change... a season we are ready to say goodbye to or an unfulfilled desire consuming this moment's joy.
The mountain top experiences do not last forever and it is easy to forget to delight in every moment when you are fixated with reaching the next peak.
I have recently been reminded to make the most of the now. While there are things in the future I am looking forward to, I want to make sure I enjoy this season for what it is and get the most out of it before it is gone. Obsessing about that which is not my reality right now will only bring discontentment and regret.
God alone is the one who controls the seasons of my life and my desire is to be content in the now. I will choose to seek Him in the times of drought, be refreshed by him in times of rain, cling to Him in the floods, and rejoice with Him from the mountain tops.
He is a good God who fulfills His promises. I need to enjoy what He has given me for now, while I look forward to what is to come in the future.
I need to throw on my gumboots and go and splash in the puddles!
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Phil 4: 11-13
Also published on my blog
