Oh, no…it’s raining again

Hanging’ around. Nothing’ to do but frown.
Rainy days and Mondays always get me down.

I remember, as a child, loving a good rain. It was the best time to curl up with a good book. Back then, I could spend hours solving a crime with the Bobbsey Twins or crying with Jo over a sad story or even wading in the creek with Mary and Laura.

But now…rainy days mean something else. The last two days, I have lain in bed, lights off, blinds drawn, with no sound, save the rain and the wind, rattling the chimes outside my window.

It was miserable.

Migraines have taken the joy out of a good rainy day for me. Because they affect my vision, reading or watching television is out of the question. Listening to the radio, even softly, sounds like someone pounding a drum in my head.

And so, I lay for hours in that dark room…waiting.

But, the one “silver lining” of my migraines is the amount of time I have to pray and meditate. Nothing is so comforting than reflecting on an old hymn like Great Is Thy Faithfulness or Old Rugged Cross or to say the Our Father or Hail Mary, slowing, over and over until I feel my body relaxing.

Sometimes I’m able to lull myself to sleep, to escape the pain radiating through my head. Other times, it serves to draw my attention away from myself, to lift family and loved ones up in prayer.

No matter how bad my days get, I know the migraines will pass. The pain will subside and I will be back to doing the things I love. Working around the house or in the yard, writing on my blog and books, spending time with family and friends…and fishing with Jim. I always know those things are there, waiting for me.

Others are not so fortunate. And so, I try to keep my “thorn in the side” as Paul describes in the Bible, in perspective. Not only will my headaches pass, I’m surrounded by family and friends who love and support me.

And so, as much as I dread rainy days, I’m grateful for them as well.

Lord, thank you for the rain that we all need. I pray for those who are suffering from flooding and those who are in need of clean water. I thank you for a yard full of plants that need every drop of precious rain you bless us with. I’m grateful for the beautiful flowers to see and smell; the wonderful fruits and vegetables to eat.

Most of all, Lord, I’m so blessed that you have given me this little piece of your beautiful world to love and care for. Thank you.

As I reflect on my life, I realize through seasons of love and pain, although it hard, each soul must allow, a time for sunshine and rain.

~Sonia Keepes 3.11.16