San Diego, California, United States First United Methodist Church for Friday, 1 August 2014 "In Real Life" "Summer Rain" by Laura Schwarcz, Director of Children's Ministry
This past Sunday, we had a wonderful, but brief rain storm. Standing outside between services in that warm summer rain was so much fun and completely refreshing. I love a summer storm.When I was visiting my family back East as a child, I remember a warm rain storm would arrive every day in the late afternoon/evenings. Since we rarely had those in California, my parents would let us play outside in the rain until we were soaked through and through. Now, as an adult, the idea of playing out in the rain isn't as appealing as it was when I was eight years old. However, watching my 1-1/2 year-old daughter playing in the summer rain brings that same joy back to the surface again.
The idea of being completely drenched in a warm summer rain storm reminds me that God's love is the same way. His love, if I allow it, can soak me through and wash away any fears that I may have. After moving to San Diego about six months ago now, the fears of the unknown have slowly dissipated. My husband and I have allowed God's great love into our lives, into our daughter's life, and into the opportunity of making a new life in San Diego for our family.
Those fears of leaving family, leaving everything we know, have been confirmed in God's awesome and perfect love. There are days when those fears creep back in, but immediately I turn to Him, and allow the Light of his love to chase them away. His perfect love drives out any and every fear that is found within me. Just like those summer rain storms drenching the earth and renewing new growth, God's love does the same thing.
Since moving to San Diego, we have been able to start a new chapter in our lives, one that wouldn't have happened if we didn't allow God to drench us with His love. We have been given the greatest gift of all to experience God's deep love for us. We have had the opportunity to experience all things new: city, home, church, daycare, jobs.
But the one constant that has walked us through these amazing new changes is the depth of God's love. When we allow His love into our hearts, minds, body and soul we are created anew each and every day. The next time a summer rain hits San Diego I pray that you walk outside even for a minute to experience it and be reminded of the depth of God's love he has for you!(Laura Schwarcz, Director of Children's Ministry)
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