"What a thing it is to sit absolutely alone, in the forest, at night, cherished by this wonderful, unintelligible, perfectly innocent speech, the most comforting speech in the world, the talk that rain makes by itself all over the ridges, and the talk of the watercourses everywhere in the hollows! Nobody started it, nobody is going to stop it. It will talk as long as it wants, this rain. As long as it talks I am going to listen." -Thomas Merton

Weekend reflection offered by guest contributor Liz Sorensen Wessel.

A week of scorching hot 100° weather, the last sun baked days of summer in southern California. The morning awoke to sounds of thunderous clouds, readying themselves to rush in like relief workers and ease the pain of Mother Earth’s dry parched skin. Oh, let the rain come, let it rain down in prayers to answer to our deepest need. Rain fall softly, teach us your hidden gift of surrender. You echo earth’s cries with compassion, offering us a nurturing response.

 
What is it about the rain that encourages us to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures? As we linger without an agenda or a “to do” list we are naturally drawn into a more peaceful state. This morning I have lit candles to honor this sacred time to “rest in Thee.”

 I recall that as children it was exhilarating to run outside barefoot in the rain without any cares. Today, for a fleeting moment, I felt childlike again and wanted to throw off my shoes and run free. Instead, I stepped outdoors and let the first big drops splash my face. Then, I stood under the protective eaves of our home and listened to nature’s outpouring cascade from the sky. I watched the torrents and wished they might also wash away all worries.

"Those sweet words we shared between us,
the vault of heaven has concealed in its heart.
One day they will pour down like
the rain and our secrets will
germinate in the soil of this universe. "
                                                                                                    -Rumi

 I wonder what it is like where you are today. What the Spirit might be gently whispering to you. I wish for you quiet moments of peacefulness and little things that delight your soul.  

~liz Sorensen Wessel

Note: pencil drawing by ~liz & internet photo by unknown photographer