I found the attached picture on social media recently with the above caption and it resonated with me strongly so I had to capture it and share it with you all – why you may ask?
There are some who are drawn to the seaside with the irresistible need to rip off their socks and shoes to feel the sea water and sand between their toes.
Then there are others who when it rains will stop what they are doing and run outside to jump in puddles and not worry about the consequences! Which are you?
I recall being told many times growing up that when my mum and older siblings returned to the east coast of Australia from living in Jigalong in the far north of Western Australia in the early 1960’s that because of how dry it was, on the first sign of rain my mum and older siblings ran outside to enjoy the sensation and feel of the water upon their skin, as they had been devoid of it for a number of years! Did everyone around them think they were crazy – Yes!
When my daughters were very young, as my husband worked away a lot, there were many times when he had just arrived home that he would just think up something (plain dumb in my book) exciting for the children to do. Early one morning while it was still dark and raining, he turned over in bed and said, ‘let’s get the girls up and go for a walk’. My first question was ‘why’?
We went walking with gum boots, raincoats, umbrellas, jumping in puddles and watched the sun come up. Once back home, they had hot showers, and then we drove them to MacDonalds for breakfast. My daughters are in their mid-thirties now and still talk about that particular event with such relish! Go figure!
On the other hand, I resonate with the first option I mentioned – I love the sea, the feel of the water on my feet and between my toes, the rhythmic pull of its ebb and flow, how wonderful the breeze feels on your face and when you're immersed in the ocean how just floating in it has a life of its own. Sitting on the beach and watching the ocean, in a way has a soul connection for me. I love my time spent there and talking to my Heavenly Father in the process.
So, you may ask, what’s with feeling the rain and others getting wet?
Back in early 2019 my husband and I traveled to New Zealand and at one B&B we were staying at, it happened to be raining outside and a Canadian couple there started chatting to us about how many types of different rain they have in their hometown... (18 types to be exact! Can you believe it!) They proceeded to name them all for us but I am not going to be able to do that for you, sorry.
Just recently (October 2022) my husband and I spent 3 weeks traveling around Iceland and of course, it rained, and not just a little shower but hard pelting down drenching stuff that made you feel miserable! I must admit, I realize I am not fond of the rain but due to the fact we had things to do and places to see I was trying my best with my raincoat and waterproof clothing to push thru the uncomfortable sensation BUT discovered my ‘other half’ was in and out of the car many times and this ‘little bit of wet stuff’ was not bothering him in the slightest (only when he could not see the road while driving).
So, tell me, which do you think I was? ‘Feeling the rain’ or ‘just getting wet’?
‘..be on guard, so that your hearts are not weighed down … keep alert at all times … praying ...” – Luke 21:34-36 AMP
Hubby was obviously ‘feeling the rain’ like I ‘feel the ocean’ and in a way, my attitude was not helping me any.
We have been together for over 38.5 years now and although I have been through a lot of emotional upheaval in the last short while (since 2018) – I am discovering new things about myself all the time. I wish to continue to keep my focus on what is important and choose to read the word of God (Bible) every day and almost every daily devotional I read will be the best word of wisdom I need at that moment! Like today (13/11/22)
‘our help is in the name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth’ – Ps 124:8 KJV
‘For the same God who made everything, our Creator and our mighty maker, he himself is our helper and defender!’ – Ps 124:8 TPT
He (my Heavenly Father) is my ‘helper & defender’ so I have no need to be left feeling I am doing this on my own but am comforted with the realization that I have all I need and am going to be equipped for whatever may lay ahead of me.
’Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,’ – Philippians 3:13 AMP
‘I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however, I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead. I run straight for the divine invitation of reaching the heavenly goal and gaining the victory-prize through the anointing of Jesus.’ – Philippians 3:13-14 TPT
I am choosing to ‘fasten my heart to the future’ that Jesus Christ has planned for me, and I pray that I do it well with His help. Who will join me?