drought

No. The title of this post is not about the past five months without adding anything to this blog. (But it's ok if that what's you thought! ;-) 
​Actually, I'm thinking of how dry this winter has been for us out west. Much of the Colorado Rockies are only at about 50% of normal snow accumulation. Just a couple of weeks ago, it was much worse. That means that those of us who live downstream of the rivers and streams that originate in those mountains have a very dry summer to look forward to.
​In the desert southwest, such as the Four Corners area where Farmington is, dry conditions are normal, of course. Part of that "normal," on the other hand, is receiving even small amounts of moisture from time to time. Just enough to keep dry from becoming parched, and parched from becoming "tinder box."
​It is part of our rhythm of life, then, to experience how wonderful the blessing is to receive a little rain shower, or even a light snowfall. Since we cannot take it for granted, we cannot miss the fact that it might not have rained today at all. Therefore, this rain, whatever day it actually comes, is always a reminder of God's gracious care.
To describe this kind of blessed relief that God brings to those who have been suffering, Isaiah said, "For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water," (Isaiah 35:6-7 ESV).
​These drought-relieving rains are an important way that God teaches us to know He really exists, and that He cares for us. As the apostle Paul told one of his early audiences, "Yet [God] did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness," (Acts 14:17 ESV).
​While the clouds are gathering over us today, we are already thankful. God is so good.