I don’t think it’s a coincidence that God created rain in such a fashion that it mimics the human tear.
Have you ever had that moment when there’s nothing left inside of you, not even a tear to shed, and at the same moment you see a drop of rain cascade down the window of your house or across the windshield of your car as you drive and you feel somehow divinely touched?
This year, I’ve spent more time on airplanes and away from home than my previous twenty-eight years combined. And while I do wholeheartedly enjoy a life of travel, of meeting new people and hearing new stories, the amount of time I spend alone and inside my own head can get the best of me at my weakest moments.
Recently, after a week away from home and an overnight flight schedule with little time for sleep, I hit that wall. The wall where the last bit of your spirit slips right through your fingers and the only thing you have left are your doubts and insecurities and the dark weights of your past – the things which are so heavy it seems like they’ll never leave you.
Taking my usual back row window seat, I rested my head against the thin plastic wall of the inside of the plane. A recent rain shower coated the plane in an army of tiny drops of water. Water, that, when we began taking off, gently rolled across the window in a pattern so parallel to the tears I wanted to cry, I could almost feel the cold, wet trails they would have left behind on my cheek if they had been my own.
Yet they weren’t. And as those drops rolled across the window, I no longer felt the need to cry.
How precious did that grace appear.
Provision.
It’s something we’re literally – and sometimes figuratively – graced with, when we are, well…without.
——-
Comments
16 responses to “Provision: How Precious Did That Grace Appear”
I feel the same way about thunder! I think I’m intrigued by thunder sometimes because I want to scream or yell or make that much noise because that’s how I feel inside. When I was little I used to think storms were God getting mad. I guess it’s kind of comforting to know that God might have the same emotions as I do.
grace is much better than picky, self centered criticism for sure
And what does the rain do? Nourishes the dry and thirsty land.
Sometimes a good cry is all I need. Even better that God allowed you to experience the refreshment by observing the tears from heaven.
.-= sherri´s last blog ..We all better start sucking up… =-.
Man, do I know that wall more than I want to know it. :(
I can’t say I’ve experienced that moment you shared but the way you wrote it makes it incredible. Makes me want to experience it.
.-= Jason´s last blog ..Fearless by Max Lucado =-.
In 1 week away, the eloquence of your writing has shot through the ROOF!
Great post Anne! Very thoughtful. It’s amazing how God will reveal His grace and glory to us in the tiniest of things, like a raindrop, and yet it permeates through very center of our soul.
blessings,
josiah
.-= Josiah´s last blog ..Online Giving Step by Step Instructions =-.
@jessica…lightening and thunder are both SO cathartic for me.
@tony…i heart you :)
@sherri…so true…
@jason…i pray you’ll experience something like it…whatever it is for you
@josiah…dang…thanks for the encouragement. i wrote this on the flight i mentioned above. sometimes the most amazing things happen when you grasp them in the moment. thank you.
Even Jesus knew when someone touched the “hem of his garment.” Our strength gets sapped when we minister. We’re often left completely devoid of energy when we’re done. Even though we know that, it still surprises us each time, doesn’t it …
And that’s when the enemy of our souls comes in with his lies.
I’ve been in that same moment (probably in the same chair) needing provision which He pours out like rain.
I lived in between your beautiful words. Thank you.
.-= Bianca Juarez´s last blog ..laboring… =-.
Beautifully written. That spoke directly to me.
Thanks so much for your transparency. It makes people like me feel a little less alone in the world.
.-= dubdynomite´s last blog ..Of What Value Is Sentiment? =-.
Awesome, Anne!!! Thanks for keeping it real. You have a gift, sweet Girl. I will be praying for you, for sure! I can’t wait to dig into your book(s).
Love-Love.
Reese
.-= Lauresa Hollenbeck´s last blog ..Sing With Me Folks…. =-.
Lots of time inside your head…yikes! I tell people my mind is like a dark alley; I should never go there alone.
So glad you’re back. Looking forward to saying hey to you in Baton Rouge. Thanks for your continued transparency…you inspire me. Welcome home!
.-= Donna Frank´s last blog ..Lessons from the alley =-.
Dear Anne,
Your blog is medicine.
Thanks.
-Ben
.-= Ben´s last blog .."Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas any more" =-.
I hope you enjoyed the Pacific Northwest. I grew up here, and love the San Juan islands. Next time you’ll have to go on a sea kayaking excursion. They have guided tours where you can see whales. Next time you want to come back, email me and I can tell you about some special places to stay for quiet retreats and enjoying the outdoors. :)
Jodi
@Jodi – I actually did do a kayak excursion! At sunset. It was amazing.
@Linda – wow!, do we forget that all the time. all we have to do is just reach out and touch the hem of His garment to receive grace and forgiveness – so simple yet so easily forgotten. thanks for the reminder
and anne – you are hearted also, as is your hubby (wanna debate health care? – just jokin!)
Most importantly, you should ask for discount or incentive. You have a great deal of chance to get a deal on a rental if you request for it.