Rain has Returned
By Doug Bing, Washington Conference president
This week it happened. The pacific northwest rain returned.#
It seems that one day it was summer, and the next day, at the official start of fall, the rain started. In many places it started with a downpour; others started with a drizzle. Most places in our conference felt the rain, and, for those of us who have lived here a long time, we rather enjoyed it…or maybe that was just me.
It did add a different element to my daily life, however. I like to go on long walks in my neighborhood. As the sun comes up, you can find me out with my walking stick basking in the morning and the newness of the day; sometimes it is at night.
With darkening days along with the rain comes a different type of walk.
Did you know that a number of studies have been done on the benefits of walking in the rain? One study stated nine different benefits of walking in the rain ranging from burning more calories to building more muscle because it uses different muscles to walk on slippery or muddy surfaces. Other benefits include humidity because it is good for the skin and the very sound of rain working as a stress reliever. The air is cleaner, and the change of environment encourages you to see your surroundings in a different way.
Walking in the rain is a good thing.
Walking in the rain of the Holy Spirit is also something that is so very good for us. The promise of the Holy Spirit is something that anyone can and should claim each and every day. No matter what is happening in your life, the gift of the Holy Spirit is something each of us has the opportunity to claim. Luke 11 outlines it well when it tells us to ask, seek, and knock and know with assurance that when we do so, God wants very badly to give good gifts to His children and will give the gift of the Holy Spirit to those who ask.
This week go for a walk in the rain. It will be good for you.