I gambled tonight, and some would say I lost.

I started on my walk at the regular time. The threatening sky oozed a slight mist, but I thought I could make it. That was my gamble.

My walk took me past a neighbor, who stopped to chat, and I frightened a hawk from a low branch. I saw the beginnings of flowers on the vines beside the road, and small buds peeked out from trees. Spring’s arrival was showing in every yard.

I was on my way back to the house, but still halfway around the block, when the rain started for real. I kept walking, but now I walked to the cadence of the steady rain. The brisk breeze that accompanied the rain remembered winter but promised spring. I wished for my raincoat.

I arrived back at home soaked through, so some would say I lost my gamble.  I think I experienced my walk from a little different perspective, though, as I viewed my neighborhood through the silvery curtain of rain.

I thought about God’s promises.

God does not promise us that we won’t walk through storms and rain, but He does promise that He will never leave His child.  When I walk with Him, I can see the blessings in the rain – new signs of life, simple beauties, shared friendships. His presence is a gift and a promise, and I am soaked in His grace.

I will most likely face some trials this week. When I do, I pray that God will bring to mind the simple cadence of today’s shower, and I will remember that I can trust Him,

rain or shine.

Psalm 61:² From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. ³ For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

Ezekiel 34:26 And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.

Photo – Evening Clouds, Beth Mims