Regardless of the Rain...the SON shines

A lot of rain falling from the sky this morning yet as I watch the weather forecast, something better is coming. By week's end, it will near ninety degrees and nothing but sunshine. I personally love the rain ~ its smell, the sound, and the vast benefits to our environment. On the flipside I remember when the rain used to intensify my sadness and grief. I've heard the rain called "tears from heaven" and I use this term myself at times but these three words can have very different meanings from one person to another.

The first decade after Heidi's kidnapping with each raindrop I could only think of how much I missed my sister and all the heartbreak in the world. Thankfully a child pointed me in the direction I needed to go. Although there are still rainy days, the SON always shines. No, I haven't made an error in my spelling. Instead, I hope you recognize that regardless of how dark and rainy the weather outside might be, we aren't alone and there is always hope.

My book, Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey, is my story following the kidnapping of my only sister, Heidi M. Allen. I spent more than ten years wallowing in self-pity focused on tears from heaven, sad and depressing tears. Once I realized how much God loved me and that He sent His only Son to die for my sins ~ things started to look up, a little brighter if you will.

Today when I hear "tears from heaven" I think of happier times. They might tears of memories, tears of joy, of sorrow, or celebration but all the rain comes from above. I remember standing out in the rain one day with tears streaming down my cheeks as I talked to God and my sister. The rain wiped away my tears and cooled the hotness. It was as if I experienced the following verse of Scripture first-hand.

Although it's raining outside - remember you are loved and God cares for you. The SON, Jesus Christ is always there and shining for each of us. All we need to do is call out to Him.

Record my misery;
    list my tears on your scroll,
    are they not in your record?
I am worn out from my groaning.
All night long I flood my bed with weeping and
drench my couch with tears.
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. 
There will be no more death'
or mourning or crying or pain,
for the old order of things has passed away.”
Psalm 56:8; Psalm 6:6; Revelation 21:4

Who are you calling on today as the rain falls?