Heatwave!

Heat makes me sick.  Seriously, when the temperature keeps climbing and even the nights are too hot to sleep, it makes me physically ill.  I get a headache that lasts for days, my energy is drained to the point of exhaustion, I become nauseated and no matter how much cold water I drink, my skin is hot to the touch.  It's very uncomfortable for me and if it persists, I am sure it becomes unpleasant for those around me because the unabated exhaustion drives me to an irritable stage.

The past several days have been miserably hot and dry around here.

No wonder that when we were awakened this morning by the sound of rumbling thunder, we got up and quickly went to the porch!  It was about six-thirty, I think.  The air was cooler and a gentle rain began to fall. I went back inside to put the coffee on, then hurried back to the porch.

How wonderful was the fresh scent in the air!
How refreshing were the raindrops on my upturned face!
How beautiful was the pale light on the fringe of the heavy clouds!
How sweet was the song of the birds in nearby trees!
How melodious was the music of the bells from the neighboring church steeple!

We walked hand-in-hand (taking care of the relationship) through the yard and back to the garden, in the gentle cascade. When we returned to the porch, we sipped our coffee and silently watched and listened as the day dawned fresh.  Life is better on the porch!

It's still June, so the blinding heat is bound to return, but no matter; I am refreshed and renewed today.  And one day at a time, all is well.  All is well.

That got me to thinking...

In our lives, with frightening frequency sometimes, the heat is turned up, and things get harder.  Often, like summertime weather, there is no way to know when relief will come.  Dangerously near collapse, we yearn for relief.  Doubt, fear, and unbelief are as real as the oppressive and relentless heat of summer.  Wave upon wave it continues, until we are sick at heart and our faith is bordering on exhaustion.

I have learned that these times, like a heatwave, never last, but God's love and faithfulness are uncompromising in our behalf.  His gentle rain of comfort and peace will surely come to the parched spirit of a weary soul.  We will be refreshed by His presence and we will speedily recover.

What a beautiful illustration of His unfailing mercy and grace!  The next time you see clouds gathering in your life---RUN!  Run to the porch of His love and stay until you are refreshed and renewed!