Into Each Rain, Some Life Must Fall

Reggie knew something was up.

My beloved Chiweenie sensed a valuable lesson beyond the curtain of mist hugging the landscape that wet summer morning. With dachshund-like stubbornness, he led me to the perfect stretch of path at the moment I was meant to be there. Somehow, he knew, dutifully doing his bit — man’s best friend indeed.

Low gray clouds dominated the morning sky, blotting out the sun and setting their own tone for the day ahead. No matter. My morning walk would strengthen my mind, body and soul.

The exercise filled my aging lungs and strengthened my heart. But my soul benefited most, free to roam wherever it wished.

There, I felt freest, no one to judge and no schedule to keep. There was no pressure to measure up. Only the voice of God filled my ears with energy, purpose and peace. It was there I learned, worshipped and simply listened. Those woods, where concrete gave way to dirt, leaves and fallen limbs, held a quiet power.

But it almost didn’t happen that day — a day when I needed most to feel whole.

Those gray skies can keep you from life’s sweetest moments...if you let them.

As I pulled into the parking area, damp, muggy air wrapped around me. I cursed my poor timing. The rain was almost here, and I’d have to cut my walk short.

“We’ll have to hurry, Reg,” I said.

At the end of his taut lead, he looked back, ears perked and tongue hanging sideways.

“Come on,” he seemed to say. “There are squirrels to chase and birds that need barking at. I’ve got work to do.”

Knowing the effort would likely be cut short by the downpour, I reluctantly stepped onto the path. I convinced myself that 10 minutes of exercise was better than none.

About a quarter-mile in, the air grew heavier. Moisture beaded on my arms and dripped from the brim of my Red Sox cap.

“I knew it, Reg,” I muttered.

He wasn’t listening.

Balanced at the end of the stretched leash, front paws lifted, he had discovered something behind a large oak. Whether real or imagined, the hidden critter had his full attention.

Eventually, Reg moved on.

Another quarter-mile later, the first drops struck my face, blurring my glasses. Within moments, the mist became a light rain.

The drops grew larger until they formed a wall of water stretching into the distance. My shirt clung to me. My shoes splashed and squished. Rain coated my face and arms.

It was time to admit defeat.

We had done what we could. We had shown up, fought the odds and done our best against circumstances beyond our control.

We tried.

“Let’s go, Reg,” I said, tugging the leash toward the waiting, dry Z32 sports car.

“Come on. It’s raining.”

He ignored me.

Balanced at the end of the leash, Reg dug in.

I gave it another tug. He pulled harder, determined to press ahead in search of whatever creatures waited beyond the next bend.

“Are you kidding?” he seemed to ask. “There are things out there to sniff, chase and bark at. We’ve got work to do.”

Reggie refused to let the rain dampen his spirit. Getting wet wasn’t a reason to quit. There were still things to see.

Suddenly, it became clear.

More steps lay ahead. More peace waited around the next bend, no matter how soaked the path. God still had something to say, and he had used the rain to get my attention.

When life jumps the tracks, instinct tells us to stop, regroup and cling to the comfort of our carefully crafted plans. We try to force reality into the narrow box we’ve built for it.

Then it hit me.

Whether I pressed on through the rain or turned back, I was going to end up in a warm shower either way. The outcome would be the same.

So what blessing would I miss if I changed course simply because the journey had become uncomfortable?

Just then, I heard John Wetton’s voice from the Asia song Days Like These.

“What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.

Today I’m strong enough

and, anyway, I love the rain.

Days like these, I feel I can change the world.”

Reggie reminded me that life’s greatest moments aren’t found by avoiding storms. They’re often found by walking through them.

Rain nourishes the earth, clears the air and makes the sunshine that follows feel warmer and brighter. Our own storms often do the same.

Anyway, I do love the rain.

And on days like these, I truly believe I can change the world… at least my own.