Rain

It's raining this morning. Our area has not seen rain in months - literally. We are in the process of building a house, so it has been great weather to get our house under roof, but the crops and grass here are pretty much dead. I have never really been one to love rainy weather. It kind of depresses me (not sure why). East Tennessee has a record of hot, dry summers so "we really need some rain" was a common phrase at my house when I was little (and still is). I never could understand why everyone wanted so badly for it to rain. Why would they want to have to get out in the wet weather and mud? Not to mention what the rain does to your hair!

Now that I am an adult, I understand the need for rain. I understand the environmental importance of having rain. When I was little I just knew I hated the mess - it was all about me. Now I understand that there are farmers who depend on the rain for their livlihood and could care less how many hair care products I have to use to keep up my "do". Now that I am more mature, my attitude toward the rain has comptlely changed. Oh, I still hate to have my hair fall, but I now I understand that I am not the center of the universe.

When we first were saved, we were babies in Christ. We thought like babies, talked like babies, etc. etc. And anyone who has children knows that they are selfish - naturally. Children have to be taught to be considerate of others - it is not a natural characteristic for any of us. As we mature in the Lord our attitudes and beliefs change so that we are no longer the center, but Christ is the center (or at least that's how it should be). The problem is that sometimes we revert back to our childish ways. Oh, we may not wet our pants and throw food, but don't we talk back to God and throw tantrums? Sometimes I feel like such a baby (spiritually speaking). There are days that I might as well just lay in my bed and suck my thumb!

I want so much to die to the flesh, but the truth is that even after 20 years of walking with the Lord (I was saved when I was 14), I still live in the flesh occasionally (okay, alot - see I even lie to make myself look better!). Sometimes, living the Christian life is such an intimidating thought. It seems like there is no way I could please a perfect, Holy God. I want so much to be just like Him, but I know that isn't possible. He knows I am not perfect and He knows it comes naturally for me to be "all about me". He even knows all the ugly, selfish, filthy things that are hidden in the depths of my heart, but He loves me just the same. He saved me so that I could "grow up" in Him and He loves me even when I act like a child. He loves me BECAUSE I am His child -- amazing.