Rain

 

          You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3)

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward  Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”      And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” (Matthew 14:28-32)

 

          The dumbest things can throw a person off. When I came home this spring, one of my big areas of personal prayer was for my garden. And some things have done well (lettuce, oregano, parsley) but many things haven’t (spinach, cucumbers, spaghetti squash, zucchini, turnips, beets, peppers, kale…) Over the past two weeks, I’ve watched weather forecasts saying 40, 50, and even 60% chance of rain evaporate to 5% as the weather supposedly headed for Erie slid south to Meadville and Pittsburgh, or east to Jamestown. It’s like we’re being teased.

          Yes, I know…COVID-19, riots across the country, a massive hurricane striking the gulf coast at one of the worst spots, suicide on the rise, the economy in turmoil… a lack of rain in Erie, PA isn’t a big deal. But as I’ve said before, pain reduces the universe to the source and size of the pain, and I had such plans. God and I were going to feed myself, my neighbor, and people who visit the food pantry with what I grew.

          Instead, God gave the food bank so much food that they gave the food pantry so much food that my contribution wasn’t needed. In fact, because of COVID-19, I got boxes of food for myself and my neighbor far in excess of what my little garden could have provided. Instead of providing water from the sky, He made me pay for what came from the tap, but He provided free compost that will improve the soil in the garden and potentially increase next year's yield.

          But because God isn’t bringing in the rain, I’m frustrated. It doesn’t even really count as “winds and waves” but I’m trying to keep my attitude above the waterline. I’ll grant, I’m probably exaggerating to make the point, but the point remains.

        And the rain has finally started.