Kigali rain

Sept 15, 2009  4pm

It just got done raining. Rwanda is fairly close to the equator, so this rain started quietly, but as the storm became thicker the sound in the house was almost deafening as the it beat against the tin roof. I had been taking a nap but as I heard the sound grow in intensity and volume, I realized that my laundry, as well as the Ntezimana family’s, was outside on the clothesline. At this realization I jumped out of bed to go save it from the precipitation. As I frantically gathered the items and moved them into the house where they would stay dry, I began to think of what rain means. 

Obviously, it is wet. From a scientific standpoint, it is the condensation in clouds that has evaporated from various water sources and is then released again. And it often brings cooling, calming, life giving qualities as it pours out over sun scorched land. To me, however, it also reminds me of Oregon, vibrant life and God’s heart towards us.

In Oregon, or rather in the Willamette Valley, it rains a lot. Its pretty much guaranteed from the end of September until May there will be a substantial amount of rain poured out over the I-5 corridor. This is why Western Oregon has some of the lush foliage and wonderful farmland that it does. Without water there can be no life. So when there is a plethora there is also a direct effect on the plant life. That is why trees grow better, underbrush is thicker, grass seed can be farmed in the Albany area and the rivers are clean and able to be swam in. And no matter how much I have ever complained about the ‘rainy winters,’ the reality is that I love the effect and have probably taken it for granted too many times.

Rain also shows me vibrant life. Not just a greater amount of foliage, but also more beautiful and wonderful plant matter. Just think about the beauty of tropical flowers. They would not become so vibrant in color and splendor if not for the vast amounts of rain that falls on them throughout the year. There is something about water that is synonymous with life. The human body is composed of mostly water, and death can result from dehydration very quickly. Water equals life. 

I believe that this is why I think of God when rain comes also. Not only is He over all that happens on this earth, including weather, but He is also a river of life for every believer. Jesus even told the Samaritan woman that if she knew who was asking her for water she would have asked Him for the Water that forever satisfies. Just like heavy rain poured out over the thirsty ground of dry African plains is satisfying and life giving, so is God’s grace, love and mercy when poured out over the thirsty spirits of the saints. He is satisfying, life giving and sustaining. Apart from Him is veritable spiritual dehydration, with death lurking around the corner if the separation is allowed to remain for too long. Being hydrated, moistened and even drenched by His river of life is something every soul can appreciate and that every spirit desperately needs. So maybe standing in the ‘rain’ would do us all good today. To let it cool our wounded hearts, bring life to our dry bones, and maybe, just maybe, create in us a vibrance that would would be unmatched by anything the world could offer...