Wild rain

Have you ever gotten caught in a monsoon? Rain here in India at this time of year isn't just rain... It's a monsoon.

It is such a wild, exotic rain, hot and full of electricity.

Even as I write this from the front porch of our home, the sky is quickly turning from blue to to grey, from blazing sun to darkness. The wind picked up, the girls are running to gather their clothes from the lines. The rain begins to pour down like a curtain of water, droplets so close together that there appear to be rivers in the sky.

The change is sudden... so sudden that it all happens within only a minute or two. The sun was here, now it's hidden behind a thick layer of cloud. The heavens are unleashed in a torrent.

Lightning strikes. Thunder claps like the most physical, tangible noise you've ever heard. The once-blue sky is a contrast of black and white. The heavy air is wet and smells green and  earthy. The water that the land so desperately needs is granted in abundance like a generous gift.

The sudden nature of the storm reminds me of the way God blesses us. Sometimes the blessings of life are in the little things, and we can find soft, small happiness in the beauty of His provision even in darkness. But there are moments in life--usually moments when we have completely submitted to His will with full abandon, like the people tithing in Malachi--when He opens up all of heaven and completely drenches us with His love.

"Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do," says the LORD of Heaven's Armies, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!  -Malachi 3:10

Setting out for India was a little scary... very out of my comfort zone and not part of my personal plan. But I knew it was the right thing to do. And jumping into it was like jumping into the biggest monsoon ever. The thunder roars, inspiring awe and fear.. but the blessings have been so abundant that I cannot take them in. God is providing, equipping, teaching, loving... showering us with His grace, mercy, beauty, peace. 

In only two weeks, Kristin and I have seen so much and been so encouraged by the people here and by the beautiful work that's happening at New Hope through the Spirit of God. It is amazing, inspiring, and humbling. We are so incredibly full of joy to be here, fulfilling God's plan for us as we care for orphans in their distress.

Try me! God said. Put me to the test! He is no liar. When He promises blessing, He fills the whole sky with it. I don't have room to take it in.

Bring on the rain.