Water falling from the sky is the perfect antidote for busy. The rain softens me.
As a storm travels across the valley below, it brushes the upper edges of the mountain range in the distance, inviting sky and mountain to meet gently, blur boundaries.
When rain moves in, the Blue Ridge Mountains, dark blue as blue can be, begin to take rest. They fall back. Some peaks disappear completely. Some recede draped in sheets of translucent mist.
When it rains, I do what the mountains do. What’s front and center, what’s urgent retreats in favor of the sound of water, lush moisture, and earthy smells.
It’s quieter, too, after a downpour. Livings things pause to drink. Absorb. Take in nourishment.
And what about you?
Do you take moments to soften like the mountains do? Do you let the rain have her way with you?
Do you set aside the spade, the rake, and the hand trowel to notice the shower of love coming from all around you? Quiet, steady love from the trees, let’s say. Or from living things (you can’t even see) who do their daily part. Do you feel the love from spring blossoms about to burst?
Do you enjoy rain moments with your loved ones? That moment when your fork pauses in midair while the fondness (floating like happy mist) between you and your dear friend soaks into your heart.
May rain on misty mountains guide your days today and always.
Photo by Gabriele Diwald
Beautiful. I know these mountains and what a wonderful way to accept the special kind of opportunity the rain here provides. I also spend part of the year in the desert. When it rains there, it’s a different kind of celebration —
an uplifting renewal rather than a welcome rest — both so necessary in their time!
Terri, such reverence for life comes through your essay! After reading it, I was brushing my teeth with a toothbrush made from recycled yogurt cups. It made me think of the people who made the toothbrush, they have a love and reverence for Mother Earth and the environment. The air we breathe and every breath is a “shower of love”from God. Yes, the “shower of love ” is all around us! Thank-you for the reminder to stop and take notice of it!
Peace and blessings, Sheila ?