A few evenings ago my small part of North Texas was blessed with an almost unheard of late June rain storm. As the rain fell, I went out to sit in our covered patio to enjoy the air cooled by the rain and experience the night sky lit up by cloud to cloud lightning.

The thunder rolled almost continually and made me think that was what the author of Rip Van Winkle was describing as playing ‘nine pin’. Was God enjoying the game of lawn bowling and sharing it with North Texas? My preference was to think ‘yes’ and reveal in the thought.

As I sat enjoying this gift, I was reminded of Paul’s message to the Philippians, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again, rejoice!” And I did just that, I rejoiced in the fire flies that flitted nearby, in the peepers serenading the damp night and thought of the other creatures living in my back yard, taking shelter from the rain. I was left with an attitude of gratitude for God’s generosity in his creation.

Paul continues to say…”whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Once we have learned this lesson of positive thinking and practice it with diligence, God’s peace will be ours. Rejoice!

Thank you, Holy One,

For the surprising ways

You choose to visit my life,

May I be open to your messengers.

Joyce Rupp

(c) 2015 Donnie Hawley