Let the Rain Fall

This month in Shanghai is known as the rainy month and I know
precisely why now. It has not gone 2 days without rain since I have
been here. But this rain isn't the kind of summer thunderstorm you get
in the South where it comes violent and fast. These "showers" are long
and persistent, most of the time lasting the wholeeeee day. Bummer,
right? Not so much for me.

I don't know if people know this about me, but something about
listening and seeing rain just makes me a) so relaxed and b) so
unbelievably happy. During my hour one-on-one with my teacher, we got
on the discussion of rain (because I accidently overslept during my
afternoon nap) and it made me wonder, why DO I like rain so much?
China has helped me find this answer, and it is so simple.

It cleanses.

In a city that is soooo dirty and the air so muggy, the air is always
cleanest after these rain showers end. You can actually see a mile out
from my dorm window and it reveals the world as we should see it
without our own inhibitions. I can sit for hours and just think while
listening to the rain because it almost cleanses my mind of my own
inhibitions. Should I go for a run? What is going on downtown today?
Do I have to water the plants? It doesn't matter, because it is
raining. God has taken care of that decision for me (and we all know
I need help with decision making). It's great. Rain kind of makes you
realize what is important in at the present time. If the time arises
that you want to still go for that run, I don't know if you have ever
taken a run or a swim in your pool in a summer rain shower but it is
one of the best feelings. Ever.

So don't get all down because it may be raining. Rather, embrace it.
We all need a good cleansing every once in a while.