Like most of the country, we here on the Gulf Coast are in drought conditions. It has been an odd time since Katrina and Ivan as far as the weather. In some ways, I think Heavenly Father has blessed us with, while hot, extremely nice weather to recoop from both those storms. On the radio just yesterday, I heard a man say he only just now finished rebuilding from Ivan, which was three years ago.
However, the nice steady weather has caused a drought-like situation. So much so we are considering a rain dance! Because I have such a long commute, I leave home at 6ish and right now that means I'm leaving in the dark. I like driving in the dark. I don't know why. And I especially like to drive in the dark in the rain. And this morning to my surprise it was raining. A soft gentle sprinkling. I found myself humming that old tune by Eddie Rabbit.
As I drive, I pray or give a marvelously insightful talk, sing along with radio or listen to talk radio depending on my mood. This morning I thought about GC and the talk on shutting the world off now and then and just living in the moment. (I’m obviously paraphrasing here.)
So I turned everything off, even my thoughts so to speak, and just listened to the rain and savored the darkness outside. And found myself thanking HF for modern conveniences. Here I am in a safe, secure, warm, dry car zipping down a well-used and well-cared for highway going 50 miles one way to a nice safe, secure, warm, dry office with light and a connection via the Internet to the world.
Shutting everything off temporarily sure brings that sense of awe and gratitude that in turn brings me so close to my HF I can almost feel His hand on my shoulder, protecting me, caring for me, loving me.
Again, the world is sometimes too much with us, and isn't it sad that we have to schedule contemplative time. I still picture the child I once was, lying in a hayfield, looking into the sky and wondering just who I was, where I came from, how come I came to this particular place and family, and what I would be if I weren't here. I always stopped when my head started whirling, and I began to wonder if I'd lose my mind. I'd rise to my feet, dance around a bit, and realize how happy and blessed I was.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me of the really good things in life.
I do a lot of contemplation in the car, too. Sometimes I think that I've turned off more than the world when I come to and realize I don't remember driving past particular things that I know I have driven past. I'd worry about it being a senior thing, but I've been that way since I was young.
ReplyDeleteWonderful thoughts, Terri! I get a great deal of thinking done in the car, too...that and in the shower. I also enjoy the one-on-one chats I get taking kids to music lessons or soccer games. My 9 year old always takes advantage of those moments and within seconds of starting the drive will say something like, "Mom, I have a question," or "Mom, there's someting that I just can't stop thinking about."
ReplyDeleteThere is indeed a great deal to be thankful for.