Today was Reid's 11th birthday party. With that comes pre-planning lists, errands and other self-imposed stresses of such an upcoming event. There are so many details I want to organize and manage, but during these lazy days of Summer, there is another aspect I have to take into consideration, though there is nothing I can do to control it. That's the weather. It is usually something to consider for Reid's birthday parties because we often utilize the outdoors and water in some form to help us celebrate.
So, the biggest stress of this week has been the concern of what the weather will be like. And since Wednesday, we have been under the threat of heavy rain storms by local weather forecasts. Thursday and Friday each carried a 30% chance of rain. Saturday's chance was 50%, and today, Sunday, the chance of rain and thunderstorms was 60%. (Figures. Reid has shared many birthday celebrations with his friends in the rain!) All of the days preceding this day were beautiful. This morning we awoke to heavy, grey clouds and cool temperatures. So I begged God for no rain, though I did agree to rain with no thunder and lightning. I also discovered Reid sitting in the driveway awaiting the delivery of the Blue Crush waterslide and slip 'n slide. He, too, was concerned at the threat of rain during the day. I mentioned he might want to ask God to spare us again today. He said that he had just been doing that. (I am thankful that my children actively consult God with their concerns, even if it is holding off some rain.)
Just prior to the party the sun began to shine. During the party hours of 2-5 pm it was a beautiful day! The girls left, and the boys stayed to continue outdoor play and spend the night. They were slipping and sliding at 6:30 pm. when we noticed heavy, dark, black clouds approaching. The wind began to gust and the rains came to our parched land and gave it a drink. The timing was amazing! The day had indeed been a perfect day for this birthday party, and I have to say that I've been thanking God since the sun began to shine.
I'm sure there were others who were praying for rain today, and maybe they got it in their little corner of the world. But for Reid and me, God raised an umbrella of sunshine into our lives today. We are tremendously grateful for His consideration of our requests and the recognition of their importance today. He not only gave Reid a gift today, He gave me another reason to be so grateful for His presence in our lives.
And I've just heard the weather forecast for this week: "It looks like we'll be high and dry until the 4th of July." Here we go again. Another birthday celebration, and another concern for the weather!
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