April Showers

Today is the first day of April.  We all know the saying about April and what it brings... May flowers of course.  This wise old saying helps sustain us through the rainy, sometimes gloomy days of Spring.  The promise of a reward worth waiting for.

Now, I'm not saying we wish all the rainy days away.  Rainy days serve many a purpose.  They cleanse the air we breathe.  They help transform the landscape from brown to green.  Have you ever noticed little songbirds during a rain shower?  They love it.  Look for them hopping in puddles, cleaning their feathers, and searching for worms.  Listen to their beautiful songs.  They rejoice even in the storm.   

We could learn a few lessons from the birds.  Rejoice even through the storm.  Don't worry or be afraid; this storm will pass, just as the last one, and the ones before.  Make the most of rainy days... 

When do we grow?  During times of comfort, or through stormy trials?  Even as April's showers bring May flowers, life's trials bring out a wiser, stronger, more beautiful person in each of us.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. -James 1:2-4

As we patiently await the glorious promise of May flowers, may we also see the opportunity for growth that our rainy days bring.  Our promise of a reward truly worth waiting for.