Monday, July 6, 2009

DO YOU NEED WASHING?

A friend of mine sent me this. I love it. This is something we all need to stop and think about.
A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence.

It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Target.

We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall.. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in "Mom let's run through the rain," she said."What?" Mom asked."Lets run through the rain!" She repeated."No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied.This young child waited about another minute and repeated: "Mom, let's run through the rain,""We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said."No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?"Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!

"The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes..Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith."Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said..Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars..And yes, I did. I ran.. I got wet. I needed washing.

Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories...So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday..To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.
This brought back memories of one rainy afternoon about fifteen years ago when a friend and I walked about three miles in a warm, summer afternoon's rain. We were soaked to the skin but it was one of the most exhilarating and fun things I have ever done.
Do you have memories of walking in the rain???

14 comments:

Ann said...

I am a rain lover. My daughter always gets undone because she is a sun lover. There is nothing like a rainy day to sit on the porch and read a good book or watch the rain OR stay in bed and listen to the rain. That was a neat story.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

What a cute story, Judy.... Oh ---to have the faith of a child!!!!!

I love walking and playing in the rain also!!!!! Sometimes one just has to do it!!!!

Hugs,
Betsy

Beverly said...

Touching story...loved it.

Anonymous said...

I remember reading this last year and crying my eyes out. Now everytime it rains we run outside to have fun with God. :)

Jamie Dawn said...

That's a great story, and I've not received in by email yet, so I'm glad you shared it!
I remember a July 4th years ago that ended with a downpour. We all got soaked, and it is one of my all time best memories. What fun it was!!!
Sometimes we do just need to take a run through the rain and throw caution to the wind. Stress can take joy away from our lives, and this little story reminded me to be open to things that can bring unexpected joy.

Jeannie said...

Very touching story, Judy.

I don't have memories of walking in the rain, but I do like to sit on my covered porch during a downpour. I just sit and listen...

Ugich Konitari said...

Wonderful story. The rain does bring out the best in people.
Out here we have an entire monsoon season. And when the first rains come, lots of folks simply go out to get wet in it. Most of the time, in Mumbai, its torrential. But in 2005 when we had unprecedented flooding, it brought out the best in ordinary folks, regardless of economic condition. People ran impromptu free tea and snacks set ups, some rushed over to vehicles stranded for hours with something to eat and drink, some welcomed people into their houses to wait out the night.

I think rain makes us relate to God in some way. Explicitly or through our actions....

Anonymous said...

I normal go to Kates site for a cry, now you are doing it. Lovely post. I love to walk in the rain and the snow

Beth said...

What a great story, Judy! As a matter of fact, one of my favorite dates with Tom about 23 years ago was when a friend of ours took us on a hike and got us all lost. It started pouring down rain and the trail turned to mud and we were sliding down and everybody was laughing because we all looked like muddy, drowned rats. I know it sounds awful, but, for some reason, it was really a lot of fun. And we did finally find our way out of the woods. :-)

A very nice post---thank you.

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

A lovely story Judy, a most interesting read. and one certainly to think about.

Yvonne.

Rachel said...

A lovely story Judy! I love the rain when it's the rain without the bad lightening with it, sitting on the porch watching and listening to it fall. Being out in it during those times is nice too, especially if it's been really hot!

Balisha said...

I have always loved the rain. I love your touching story. It's raining gently here right now. Just took the dog out with no umbrella. We walked in the rain.

Clara....in TN said...

When my children were small, every rainfall I would tell them the Angels were crying. They remember that to this day. Here's my story: We had a house full of company and it came a very hard rain storm...in fact there was a river going through my back yard. I walked outside and sat down in a chair on my covered back porch. The chair was full of water. I politely walked out into my back yard and sat down in the river. Someone made my picture. I still laugh when I see it.

CountryDreaming said...

Wow. My eyes got so full of tears I could hardly read this whole story. Guess my eyes needed washing! :-)

As a photographer, I love a gentle misty rain ... helps bring out the rich colors of things.

Great post ... glad I've discovered your blog!