Sometimes the rain comes cold, like it did early Saturday when the storm front came charging in, chasing away three days of low-to-mid-eighties, and leaving us looking at a freeze warning for the early hours of Monday morning.

It hailed for just a few minutes soon after daybreak, small stones bouncing on the flat, black roof over the porch while I watched from the window of the door on the second floor. From sometime in the night until around ten, the storm brought in nearly three-quarters of an inch of rain, the most we’ve had since the warm storms of last summer.

All day long the temperature slid down from its overnight low to an even lower point, bringing in another round of light rain in late afternoon. We ended up with nine-tenths of an inch and nearly all of it soaked in rather than running off down the slopes.

Certainly enough to help out the newly sown seed in the pasture and recently planted square miles of corn in northeast Kansas. Within a few days, we’ll see green starting to flourish in the black-burned sections of banks and fields.

Out in the southern parts of the state and northern Oklahoma, they’re still dry. Achingly dry for this season of the year. We’ll give thanks for what we’ve received and pray for the relief of others.

I would confess that it is a good thing when we stand in the midst of blessing to remember those whose faith is being tested. A good thing when humble gratitude leads to sharing others’ cares.

It is not always evidence of the Good Lord’s favor if my fields are greener than my neighbors. If I remember correctly, the Good Book says that he sends his rain upon the just and the unjust. I will try to trust his Spirit to always make it clear to my own heart, which one I happen to be. And therefore know when to rejoice and when to repent.

And find the grace to be grateful in all times.

H. Arnett

4/18/2023