Rainy May Day?

We have some sort of weird phenomenon here in Arizona this week; a May storm. I guess it hasn't rained this much here in May since 1995. We are enjoying the rain and I'm sure the desert is soaking it up. With the rain and wind and dark skies brings some nostalgia. Happy and sad memories mixed together. I think of my Pap today, who went to be with Jesus on March 8. How he would have liked this day, a break from the heat that lingers all summer and late into the fall. Pap loved to sit outside on his porch and watch the world go by. He did a lot of fun things outside, like riding his motorcycle and ATV's and taking his boat out on the lake. I miss him. My ache is eased though, knowing I will see him again someday in heaven. Though we grieve losses here on earth, God has given us such a special gift with our faith in Him~HOPE. And because of this HOPE we can find Joy even in the midst of grief. We rejoice in our sufferings knowing that God is in control and will use it all for our character development and His glory. Today I think of Steven Curtis Chapman and his family's loss. They had a terrible accident where his teenager accidentally ran over his five year old and killed her instantly. What a tragedy, we say. And it is true. However, that little one is safe into the arms of Jesus; and we need to be praying for her big brother and the rest of her family to find the peace that comes from knowing that she is okay with her "Abba" Daddy in heaven, and they will get to shower her with sweet hugs and kisses when they see her again in glory. May they see the SON shine tomorrow after the rain today.