As we prepared for a family member's 100th birthday celebration, everything seemed to come together just as we intended.
The week before the event, the weather forecast included rain. Honestly, I was disappointed and started to pray that the forecast would change. We wanted a bright, sunny day. The rain would cause us to modify our plans and likely damper what we intended to be a joyful day.
On the morning of the celebration, the forecasted percentage of rain had increased to 95%, more than the 40% originally forecasted. As I listened to the hard rain fall outside on the celebration day, similar tears fell from my eyes. My grandfather had passed away unexpectedly 364 days before. He was the reason we were planning the 100th birthday celebration. It was one of the last things he spoke about during his last day on earth.
As I prayed again for God to stop the rain on this beautiful occasion, God reminded me that rain is beneficial, although at times inconvenient. Droughts are naturally drier-than-average conditions. Our family had been in an emotional drought as we worked through our grief. But my perspective shifted, and God reminded me that only rain can cure the drought.
I began to praise God for the rain and viewed it as His way of replenishing our souls and addressing the drought we had experienced. Rain increases growth, and I believe the rain on that day was symbolic. God would grow us and restore every area of lack.
Sometimes, we have to shift our perspective to realize that God is in control and gives us what we need when we need it, not always when we want it.
Do you need to shift your pespective? Ask God to help you.
Katrina is a writer.