Rain

Does anyone else hate the question "how are you doing?" Not the "whats up" question, the head-nod-how-are-you-doing? I deeply appreciate people asking, but I guess I just feel like its asked at awkward times. I've come to embrace how I'm really doing and have become willing to offer my real answer. I no longer just say great because lets face it, I'm not always great. There are times that its obvious I'm not great but I went on to fib and say I was. So, I'd rather just be honest and say how I really am. The road bump here, is many people are not ready for the real answer.

They ask the question but want to hear 'great' or 'Its been hard but I'm doing ok.' Am I the only one that just doesn't always feel those responses? I would be lying a lot of the time if I said that but I feel like a bother if I respond with anything but that. 

You know what I've come to really think through. Glad you asked. I think a lot of people..even the body of Christ..think we should live lives full of blessings only. Hurt and pain should be absent from our lives. I mean, don't get me wrong, I long for that day. But its heaven, its not here on earth. No where in the Bible is it promised that pain will be absent from out lives. People hate statements like this, but perhaps pain is needed for us. Am I not growing in the midst of pain and suffering. So says Romans 5. So when these 'hard times' come its like people just hope and pray and wish the times away...and if that doesn't happen, begin to believe that God is not listening, or at work, or something. 

I by no means claim to have the answers. All I'm saying is this 'season' in my life is hard. Some says I'd go as far as to say it bites. But its in times like this that I more clearly see Jesus, I feel my need for Him, and I draw close. Do I wish that away?? Never. So I'm content, and even resting (call me crazy) in this hard time. 

I wrote something today about the rain. Rain being hard and difficult times. This is how I wish I could respond when someone asks me how I'm doing. But I don't think that quickly and people don't often understand how I write. I just do it to get it out. Enjoy.

Rain is coming

This is know, rain is coming

I see the clouds and the sun is hidden

Light still creeps in to breathe hope

But rain is coming

In the deepest pain let grace rain

In suffering piece by peace

Bravery trumps fear

Misery can't challenge expectancy

So I'll wait for the rain

The biggest problem here is a 6 foot frame

It's me

Its me who prays for all sunshine

for all good things in my life

I'm selfish I tell you

I pray for things that are far from hurt

For no pain and for no rain I pray

But trials let me press on

Preserving in proven character

Christ like character is a message of hope

Should I not invite the pain

And rejoice in the rain

How do the wildflowers grow on the mountainside?

How is it that man sustains life here on earth?

How does the ocean size captivate us

The rain comes

It gave life to the green and colors to grow

It was the simplicity and need for my body

It gave power to the sea

But I just don't know how

To invite hurt

In a world that tells me I should be blessed only

A world that says wear bright colors of life

A Bible that suggests you might need a dark rain jacket

In moments like this

When the rain is coming

I'm alone with you--alone and together

I know change is coming

Reign

Rain

I'll abandon myself rejoicing for I can't wait

But when I walk out

The attack of words

Advice, prayers, and hopes

Even attached with good intentions

Discourage me (encourage me)

What I want is you

Which would be found in the rain

Its raining today

And today is still good.