I live in north central Minnesota, and no, I can’t see the North Pole or the end of the world from here. Our record snow falls and cool temperatures to extreme hot and drought conditions came suddenly and un-expectantly last year, turning our lawns brown and crisp. No rain for two months in forested areas, takes a toll on Mother Nature and upon human nature.

One morning, as I was sitting in prayer, absorbed in meditation, I felt the gentle presence of the Holy Spirit. My restless soul filled with peace. A sound from outside caught my attention; it was a gentle falling rain. Gratefulness washed over me as I watched with renewed amazement each small rain drop hitting a leaf and running down to its point, collecting other drops on the way, forming a rivulet of water. Running off the surface of one leaf, it fell onto the next, repeating its downward journey, finally falling into the waiting arms of the parched earth. In its wake, there was a shining glow of green as creation rejoiced at the life-giving water from above.

This living water cycle strikes me as being similar to what and how the Holy Spirit,the Lord and Giver of Life, works in my life. God sends the Holy Spirit, pouring Him into my heart. This pouring is often gentle and sometimes unnoticed. It is the Holy Spirit who helps me catch the droplets of His graces, directing and unifying them into little rivers of blessings meant for others. Each leaf of my being is touched and transformed by His living water.

Humanity’s response to the rain varies. There will be those that are upset with it, for it ruins their plans. There will be others who pay no heed to it because there is a job to be done and they are oblivious to its presence. Others will take an umbrella or stay indoors, as they seek not to get wet. In all these forms of rejection, they will not see rain as gift. Few will see the gratitude of the dry earth that receives it. Fewer will hear the cry of joy and thanksgiving creation shouts forth as it receives this life-giving water from above. Even fewer will see the dancing of the leaves, the shiver of delight that comes from being touched from above.

How sad, I use to myself, that man is so ignorant and oblivious to the things around him, especially the supernatural; the presence and workings of the Holy Spirit. So many may miss The Silent Presence, each touch and caress of grace from the Spirit. So many of us are so caught up in our plans and time that we fail to recognize the Holy Spirit, whose presence is poured gently upon us. Will you stay in the comfort of your dry shelter or dance in the rain? Maybe it’s time to ask God to stir into flame the Holy Spirit’s life-giving qualities in you and dance.

For Reflection:
Everyone experiences spiritual dryness. Do I look for God’s graces even in the time of spiritual drought? How open am I to receive God’s graces? Am I willing to dance in the rain, or to stay safe in the dry shelter of my heart when it comes to the Holy Spirit? How might I stir into the flame the Holy Spirit dwelling in me?

Prayer:
Send Your living water like a gentle rain into my heart O Lord. Help me to dance in Your presence with a heart full of gratitude.

(blogged June 1, 2024)
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