Dance in the Rain

This past Christmas, I was given a gift of a small picture frame with a little child walking in bright yellow rain boots. All you can see are the feet walking in the rain. The caption says, “Anyone who says only sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain.” Then it quotes scripture, “You fill me with joy in Your presence. Psalm 16:11”

Many would say the gloomy season of the church has arrived today. It is Ash Wednesday when we are reminded, “You are dust and to dust you shall return.” The looming rainy clouds of the 40 days of wandering in the wilderness are here. What are you going to give up? What new spiritual discipline are you going to take on? As you wander through the wilderness of this Lent are you going to let struggle and the gloom of life overtake you?

Or are you going to let the season of Lent restore the wilderness of your heart?

The looming rainy clouds can replenish and water the soul. The wandering in the wilderness can provide new and clear direction. This season is not gloomy. It is actually a victorious season because we are Easter people. Jesus did not give into temptation in the wilderness, but said, “Away with you, Satan!” He didn’t do that for himself. He did that for God’s children, for Easter people. It is with that joy in our heart we welcome the looming rainy clouds of Lent so we can find joy in the darkest of places. Yes, we can find joy even in death. You are dust and to dust you shall return. We dance in the rain; we dance in the face of death knowing that Jesus went before us to prepare a place.