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Topic: Rain (09/07/04)
TITLE: What's In a Raindrop? By Joanne Malley 09/09/04 |
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While in contemplation, I parted the curtains that hung loosely from the window of my den. I looked out to find where I’d begin. I was provided with a perfect scenario for inspiration. At the window, I viewed the start of the new day through the rain-splattered glass. I also viewed the source of my inspiration—a single raindrop. God intervened once again and sent the rain to stir my creative juices! I wasn’t prepared when He asked me to go to the Congo! I was quite perplexed. How would I get there? Stay tuned…let’s find out together!
As I listened to the rain, I noticed it consisted of more than one simple sound. My ears first focused on a single raindrop as it hit the windowsill. Each drop created a noise that was exactly like the last, while it repeated a precise tune every few seconds.
Then, there was the sound of the rain as it sprinkled onto the top of the pool. It was a completely different sound offering another song for my ears. I also heard the rain directly above me as it pounded heavily onto the roof.
I was barely awake on this gloomy day, but the dampness in the air stirred my senses and I wanted more. My collection of CDs was close by and I searched for the one that would be fitting on a day like this. I pulled out “The Tropical Rainforest” which offered a forty-minute escape to the Congo. Aha! So, I was getting there through my stereo!
I put in the CD and prepared for a new experience. I have listened to this particular one before, but something led me to listen to it as only a blind person could—with no sight. At this point, I still didn’t know where I was going with this. So, before long, I closed my eyes for my new adventure and traveled there by faith.
I soon learned more of what I already knew. It was quite scary to be blind, especially when so much is heard around you. I listened to the sounds of many types of animals, fierce lightning, and rain. There was a collection of high-pitched sounds, deep sounds and loud frightening sounds. All were intensified and scary due to my lack of sight. I guess our vision is often mistaken as our most trustworthy sense. Perhaps, a lot of us neglect the other ones a bit too much. Or, maybe we don’t allow God to lead us enough when we are blind.
I wonder if people without vision may have received an extra special gift for the one they are lacking. I think I saw more with my ears than I ever would with my eyes had they been open. My lack of sight heightened every other sense that God gave me. My soul sought to find more of God in the rainforest and all the beauty He placed there was apparent through the remaining four senses.
I was showed that the simplicity of a single raindrop could turn into a thought-provoking, soul-searching adventure. If something as simple as rain can provoke such deep learning and understanding, couldn’t we find important lessons in almost everything we see, hear, smell, touch or taste? God gave us these senses. Why don’t more people rely on them for the greatest purpose—to find Him.
When my CD was finished, I was in awe of how much of God we can see everywhere. I also thought about how easy it is to be grateful for the small gifts and lessons we learn daily. From now on, I will use more than my sight to see where He can be found.
When I started my day, I had no idea where my story would lead me. But, then again, how could I since I try to let the Spirit do just that.
Little did I know that I would be led straight into the Congo to find my story and my lesson of the day!