Rain, Renewal, and Blessings 

This week, the feel of winter is setting in with temperatures in single units and grey London-like clouds that have graciously yielded much needed rain.  Soon we will have fresh fields of green and revived plant life from the rain.  We have had occasions when it is too wet to play outside but the breaks in the rain have been monitored closely so time outdoors has not been completely missing. As we get close to the last day of term for students and another week to go for staff, the anticipation of a break from weeks of hard work is pulpable behind the smiles and playground sounds. 

The rain got me thinking of our own life journeys where showers can be obstacles to us going places or doing things but the challenges we meet also prepare us for renewal just like the rain renews growth around us.  Rain clears the dust from the air in the same way the hard work during the term comes before the growth we may not yet see but will surely be evident later. 

Each drop of effort staff and students have put in has helped to develop resilience, patience and all the values we have focused on so far this year.  The seeds planted, in some of the students, may be dormant for now but they will sprout and flourish in God’s time.  

The rain is a reminder of God’s provision as stated in Deuteronomy 28:12: “The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of His bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands.” I am reminded that beautiful gardens are not made from sunlight alone.  We need the rain to nourish the roots and sustain life.   

Heading into the holidays, you may be weary.  May the rain remind you to prepare for new beginnings.  What experiences will you embrace knowing every challenge is watering your growth?  How far have you come in your personal journey? Count the blessings of the work of your hands.