The Riddle Rambler

I am always surprised at how a good rain washes the world, revealing a fresh, vibrant, new skin. We enjoyed a few good showers and thunderstorms while in Minnesota, and I was greatful for the deep greens, the bright yellows and rich reds that emerged after their much welcomed cleansing. Each rain brought forth new life, almost a daily recurrence. Frogs and grasshoppers emerged from their dark homes beneath the earth to greet us with their songs, and worms wiggled up to the green grass to bask in the warmth of the sun tamed by the cool wetness still blanketing the ground. Life seemed to burst forth, singing, exuberant and joyful. Nature's enthusiasm embraced us as well, beckoning us to join her song, her sense of discovery and wonder. So after most of the storms we headed out to the park. There were several within walking distance, and when I wasn't bent over like a kicked in can helping Alaina peddle a bike, we were able to enjoy those walks. Looking for and picking as many dandelions as possible, jumping left to right along the double wide sidewalks like the green grasshoppers who shared our path. The air was fresh, with a hint of damp in it, and with every deep breath we took to fill our lungs, a wave of contentment and rejuvenating pleasure filled our spirits.

The beauty here is greener, and softer than our desert. The colors and life of the southwest are more intense, warmer and lazier. But the crisp charm of our surroundings are not lost on us. We soak it in, and in the process, like the roots of the tall trees around us dig deeper into the newly moistened soil, the memories and feelings born here take hold deep down inside ourselves.

The best thing about this trip, well there are too many 'best things', but one of them is this: there are always new things to experience, and new ways to experience old things. The other 'best thing' is that our trip, this visit with an old friend, emblazoned in my heart the truth of several things, this being one of them: Life is graced with a cleansing rain with every new day. The colors and intensity and purity of life are given to us anew each morning. And when we smudge it up or clutter it with debris, when we turn to the Lord he will cleanse us again and again and again. Each morning a new dawn, each rain a fresh start. And for that I will be forever grateful!