Storms in the Desert

Visiting my daughter who lives in the high desert very close to Joshua Tree National Park, I was intrigued to see rain clouds gathering over the mountains in the park. I told my teenage grandchildren that I wanted to sit on the porch and watch the clouds.  The view was spectacular! We sat and identified what part of the park the rain seemed to be hitting at certain times. 

Suddenly we noticed a downpour on the street. The grandchildren rushed out to enjoy every bit of the rain. In Indiana we avoid the rain, but there they take advantage of the opportunity to soak it in. Even when it started hailing, my grandson stood and collected hailstones on his jacket.

I started wondering if maybe that’s why we go through times when God doesn’t seem as present as he did before. Maybe he has to make us feel his absence in order for us to really appreciate his presence. Do I need him enough to thirst for his rain, even if it contains hailstones? Our times of longing for him can lead to great blessings when he makes himself known. Storms in the desert can bring great blessings. Watch for them!