Put Down Your Umbrella!

Being under a severe weather warning can be pretty scary.  Growing up, we were fortunate to have a basement we could go to when the weather got nasty. It brought us enough comfort to wait until the storm passed over and we could go back upstairs. 

Many times after a severe storm passes, we are left with a good steady rain. What are the benefits of rain?  Here are some answers you may not have thought of that I found on Answers.com

What 15 benefits does rain provide?

Answer:
1) It puts moisture in the air
2) It helps with droughts
3) It fills streams
4) It washes away dirt from plants
5) It provides a drink for every living thing
6) It cools the temperature if it's hot
7) It washes cars for free
8) It continues with the beneficial water cycle
9) It aids the poor in collecting water
10) It saves money from buying bottled water
11) It can cause a rainbow to show up
12) It cleans roads with oil marks
13) It assists worms to move around the soil which aerates the ground
14) It can erode soil to form mountains
15) It can make certain insects and animals come out of hiding, like a snail which provides food for birds

If we are living and breathing, we are going to be hit by storms in our life that make us feel as if we are in the middle of a hurricane or tornado for quite some time.  But after time, and how much time just depends on each individual and the circumstances surrounding their loss, we begin to experience a steady rain that can provide us with many emotional benefits.

It begins to wash away much of the dirt that has collected in our mind and soul during the storm.  It begins to cool, take the severe sting out of our hurt. Oh that hurt will always be there, but that rain cools it to a bearable temperature.  It helps aerates our heart, and puts moisture in our soul so we can begin feeling alive again.  Over time, it erodes our the walls of protection we have built up to make us stand tall again, like a mountain, and it helps us to come out of hiding and provide food, aka, support for others who are struggling with a storm of their own.  

I would encourage myself and you, to welcome the rain that comes after the storm.  Allow it to do its work in us to bring us to greater heights so that we can see the rainbow that often comes with it!  Put down the umbrella and let the rain soak in and cleanse!  

Remember my traveling companion, keep looking for the 

Sunshine After the Storm

Blessings!

Betsy