In recent days - maybe even weeks - I have observed that I am not very "present." My thoughts are like runners from strawberry plants which need to be cut back. For the strawberry plant to have a good crop, it's usually a good idea to trim these runners. My own runners need trimming.
As I was making breakfast this morning, I decided to take some time to just sit outside and enjoy the rain. I pulled a chair from the kitchen table and moved it to the back porch stoop and sat down with my notebook in hand. And then, it was time to simply pay attention to the rain.
I don't think I was ever fully aware of all the different sounds of rain before today. Really aware. I listened attentively as I heard rain ping-ping against the water spout. Other droplets thumped softly on the plastic bag covering a water heater that we need to sell. Louder plink-plinks hit the cellar door and a softer, more constant rain was falling on the grass.I observed the swooshing sound of cars driving through pools of water. Another sound still - the stream of water falling from a gutter in need of repair as it fell onto my azalea bush.
Soft thunder in the distance.
A percussion concerto.
Slurp. The earth is drinking.
Being present - no mystical meanings in my observations -
Just taking it all in and simply being, in the moment,
Noticing how the rain is breathing life into today and into my own dried up life.
A steady, constant rain.
August crickets chirp along quietly in rhythm - and I find this sound comforting.
Tender joy in just being!
Paying attention to
Now.
It is good - so very good.
Thanking God for this rare moment of simply
Being.
