Rain Down

It's raining today. This first day of my new blog. I'm not really sure if it's a good sign or a bad one. That is, if I believed in these superstitions. But I think it would be one or the other. Not neutral. Rain is an interesting phenomenon. At least to my psyche. 

The first thing I think of is the ocean. It will be choppy, dangerous, polluted from all the bacteria of our urban world washing away into its surge. Generally, unsurfable and unfavorable. But then I remember the times that I have braved these conditions, just for the pure, overwhelming desire to surf. And, I recall the excitement that double overhead, stormy, angry swells instill. I remember that perhaps some of my most memorable sessions have been in the mists of rain and storm. The adrenaline is addicting. When I fear for my life and can only hang on to my Savior for hope. These memories surge through me with excitement, desire, and anticipation. It brings a sort of sadistic grin to my face for the self-endangering joy I receive during these sessions. Thus my first thought turns from longing for clean conditions to overwhelming excitement.

My second thought is always more placid, calm. Perhaps my subconscious survival instinct is trying to avoid the dangers of my first thought by steering my mind away from the adventurous passion to mundane joy. I think of the way water soaks into my clothes or my hair. The way that if I move quickly enough the bonds that hold this water to me will sever under the strain. The way that they fly away from the motion of of dancing like prey from a predator. Rain makes me think of dancing. But not of myself floundering in the deluge. That thought makes me laugh, perhaps even embarrassed. No, I imagine someone else dancing in the rain. Someone graceful, beautiful, and happy. This is perhaps the best thought that rain brings to my head. The happiness of this person. Why I think of the dangerous surf first I do not know. But this is the best part of rain. Pure joy through dancing.

My third thought is even more tranquil than the second, but not boring, or unexciting either. Perhaps there is a pattern to my thoughts that is shown here. Probably not, but it is possible. Perhaps my first thought is, more often than not, a thought that excites and enthralls. And as I dwell, I begin to settle down, shy away from adrenaline and steer towards peace. Maybe this is the pattern of my life. More exciting and thrilling at first, and as I grow older I begin to settle down, find Joy in simple things. Many people fear this, I think. However this sounds right to me. This is what I want. Rain makes me think of my house. It's different all the time, because it's not my house now, but one that I'll have in the future. I hear the sound of rain pounding on my roof. Knocking, wanting in, but refused entrance. The water and the moisture and the cold are not welcome in my house, my place of safety and peace for my family. I sit in this place by a large fire, in a comfortable chair, with a good book and warm tea, and again am happy. I think I was wrong to say that one joy is better than the other. All three are good and wholesome. Given by the only one who is Master of all happiness. The one is no better than the other. Just different.

If I believed in omens and signs and such superstitions, I would conclude that it is a good thing for it to be raining during the writing of my first blog. Rain makes me happy, and think of happy things and happy people. Lord God, I thank you for the rain, for it is good.