It's no secret that the vast lands of Texas have suffered from undernourishment this summer. Day after day I have walked atop the parched earth, surrounded by tawny, brittle grass that has lost all traces of its verdant health, silently praying for its relief. Each morning I awoke with the hope that a merciful rain would quench the anemic land and restore it to its former vitality. In vain.
Today I was casually walking on campus to make a quick stop at the university library. At one point I looked up at the expansive sky to see shadows forming from promising clouds; it was surely going to rain today. I cursed softly because, well, as usual, I was lacking the proper accoutrements for rainy weather. "Maybe it won't start raining until I reach my car...", I thought.
Not the case.
I was presented with two options: wait it out or make a run for it. I chose neither.
Why is it that we are afraid to get wet? Why do we always wish to remain dry, clean, sheltered? Rain is often unexpected. Many times it is inconvenient. But it should be experienced with gratitude, not disdain; it is a gift, even if you are caught in the middle of it, completely unprepared.
Today I stepped leisurely through the pounding water, relishing the quick impact of the cold droplets on my skin. I took off my shoes. I didn't hasten my step, even when the rain picked up momentum. My clothes got utterly soaked, my hair became a wet and sticky mess.
It felt great. Healing.
Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is submit yourself to the events happening around you. It may be tempting to resist them, but you may find the freedom in letting go intoxicating. To shed your concerns and hesitations and make the moment yours... it is an experience we should seek often. Complete submission to the will of something bigger than you -- try it next time you get the chance. Walk, don't run, through the rain.
No comments:
Post a Comment