June Showers and No Flowers

     Each year, I expect summer to arrive ushering in plenty of heat, ice cream cones, and trips to the beach. Naturally, I was expecting to pack away my winter sweaters and pull out my short-sleeved shirts. Although we are already well into June, I have not been able to bid my coats and jeans adieu yet. Our anticipated warm, sunny weather has been replaced by cold rain. This year, summer has brought in mild weather, warm baked goods, and days spent wrapped up in a blanket.

     Right now, I am sitting in front of a warm fire while listening to soft music playing in the background. I will pause momentarily to look outside at the heavy rainfall. This morning, I baked some banana chocolate-chip bread; an activity I like to do when it is near Christmas. Today, it feels like December!

     Due to the excessive rain, my sister's ballet recital was canceled today. Thankfully, it was rescheduled and will be taking place this Tuesday. Unfortunately, however, not all of the girls from her ballet class will be present for the performance because of the date-swap. April showers are supposed to bring May flowers. However, it looks as if June showers will bring July flowers. Who knows when this wet weather will end?

    I am truly thankful that the rain has lasted this long; it is a blessing in some facets of our lives. As you may know, California has been experiencing a minor drought, and this rain will definitely help this issue. The farmers are also blessed; their crops can get more water which will make their crops healthier. One of our friends is a dairyman, and his cows produce more milk in cold weather such as this. There are always blessings in the seemingly bad situations :) After all, we won't have to experience the blistering heat of summer for very long this year!!

Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God; For He has given you the former rain faithfully, and He will cause the rain to come down for you..."               -Joel 2:23

Enjoy the rain and God bless you!!