It rains every day in Florida during the summer. There’s a pattern to the summer rainfall.

Mornings are sunny while afternoons are cloudy until about 2 p.m.; then, we get a downpour of rain followed by sunny skies once again. Of course, this pattern changes when there’s a hurricane or tropical storm brewing in the gulf, all part of the summer weather pattern. So far this year there haven’t been any.

What we do have is rain … and more rain … and more rain. My feet have almost changed into flippers.

I’m not a fan of rain. It brings my spirits down. Cloudy, gloomy days drain my energy and enthusiasm. I need to see bright sunny days. I want to see sunshine rays sparkle on the water behind my home. I want to hear the birds singing.

Don’t get me wrong. I know that flowers and trees need rain. My orchids shout that. My grass is a very, very healthy green too. I know there are dry arid places with shortages of water that would cherish this rain.

In fact, I enjoy the rain. I know that’s a contradiction. But, I can take a nap (yes … nap) and listen to the rain falling as it taps rhythmically on my roof and windows. However, its been a long, long time since I’ve seen the sun. Too many days for me to count.

I’m sure you’re wondering – What does rain have to do with nurturing?

I’m glad you asked.

Today, while I was sitting on my patio, I began to look at rain differently. The heavy showers reminded me of the challenge that rain is for me. Then, I began to see it in a different light.

Rain is like the things that happen to us in life. Every day we’re faced with challenges. For everyone the challenges are different. If we look at every drop of rain as a challenge we’ve overcome our outlook would be much more positive.

Our lives are sprinkled with droplets of problems and stresses we have to rise above; especially during this uncertain time.

Life pours worries, obstacles, misfortunes, stumbling blocks, and, at times, nightmares filled with thunderous lightning of difficulties into our lives. Stress builds like puddles in a gully.

How would we gauge our troubles and woes if we never had grey rainy days?

We can very easily get upset about these issues that life has decided to pour on us. But without these storms, how would we appreciate the rainbow that appears after downpours of rain?

So instead, I’ve decided to appreciate every drop of rain because without it I wouldn’t be able to appreciate that I’m alive and able to enjoy it. I’ve decided to look at rain in less of a monotonous humdrum way. I recognize without the changes rain gives us, life might be very dull. I decided to be grateful for the rain as it’s creating beautiful colors in my garden by nurturing my grass, trees, and orchids.

 I think I’ll go out and find a rainbow while I dance in the rain ….

How about you?

2020©Isadora DeLaVega