Raindrops ... by Melissa Henderson

Raindrops

By Melissa Henderson

Writer of inspirational messages. http://www.melissaghenderson.com

Vacation week had been full of excitement. Visits with family and friends, a tour of the local aquarium, walking on the beach, listening to the laughter of children playing, sharing an inflatable bed with a five-year-old grandson, and sharing food and fellowship with loved ones brought bountiful joy.

The sounds of love filled the air. Giggles from young and not so young reminded me of the many blessings God provides. Prayers included many words of thanksgiving. Even as exhaustion seeped into my body and my bones began to ache, I was filled with overflowing joy.

After the visits were over and the tearful goodbyes were spoken, I rested in the comfort that only God can give. Alan and I already missed the sounds of conversation and laughter. We spoke and shared how we looked forward to the next visit.

A day later, after everyone had returned to their home, as I contemplated what I needed to catch up on, I began feeling odd. Then it happened. The peaceful joy that I had recently experienced faded as I let the “what if’s?” consume my thoughts. What if I don’t meet my writing deadlines, forget to pay a bill on time, or put off dusting the furniture, and watering and fertilizing the plants? The list seemed endless. Each item was important, at least to me. My heart raced, my pulse quickened, and my breathing became rapid. My joy was leaving as anxiety tried to take its place.

Noticing the PRAY FIRST note taped to my computer screen, I paused and began to speak. The words came too fast. The heartfelt prayer I had intended to pray had become a list of what I wanted, instead of praising and thanking God for what He had provided. I stopped, opened my eyes, and then listened. He was sending a quiet message.

Raindrops… peaceful raindrops tapping the roof and the office window. For most of the summer, our area had experienced a drought. Now, the Lord was sending rain to the brown grass and dry soil. The pink impatiens plants and yellow marigolds stood tall as if reaching for each drop of moisture.

Raindrops… peaceful raindrops with a pat, pat, pat that caused my breathing to slow, my heartbeat to quit racing, and my pulse to return to normal. Only God could know how the rain would affect me.

Click on the book covers to purchase Melissa’s books.

Turning my gaze to look outside of the window next to my desk, I saw big drops landing on the leaves of the holly bushes. The rain falling from the sky appeared to be dancing on the sidewalk. I began to laugh.

In the midst of raindrops, I found time to be still and remember His love. God knew I would change from joy to anxiety if I focused on my ‘to-do’ list. God knew the rain would bring peace to my soul.

My prayers turned to thanksgiving and praising Him. I thanked him for family and friends and for the ability to share time with loved ones. I thanked Him for His everlasting love and forgiveness. I thanked Him for the raindrops.

After the prayer, I listened. His glory and love were coming down from the sky in the form of needed rain. That day, God reminded me to be still and spend time with Him. Thank You, God.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NIV)

In His Name, Melissa Henderson Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages laced with a bit of humor. With stories in books, magazines, devotionals and more, Melissa hopes to encourage readers. Melissa is the author of “Licky the Lizard” and “Grumpy the Gator”. Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon and Stephen Minister. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at https://www. facebook.com/melissa.henderson.9440

Read her blogs at: https://melissaghenderson.com/ It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons