Have you had enough of the rainy weather? If you live in Ohio or Pennsylvania, I’m sure you have. We have had so many rainy days in this part of the world that we are starting to make Noah jokes. In the National Park Service we refer to NOAA, which is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA collects weather data and NOAA reports that Fayette County, Pennsylvania, where I am currently living, is 7 inches above average for precipitation this year. Considering the annual average is 45 inches, 7 inches above average in June in considerable! In Pennsylvania, we are living on well watered earth.
I don’t mind rain – moderation. Last year Tom and I spent the summer in northern Arizona. Aside from the monsoons in July and August, Arizona is dry and brown. Last summer in May, June, and July, we had less than 0.2 inches of rain. So far this year we have experienced 11 inches of rain. It looks more like a rain forest than the Central Appalachian Forest ecosystem. When we walk to work we see moss growing on the asphalt road, and dense green everywhere around us.
My favorite thing about living in this well watered earth is the bird songs. We hear so many different birds chirping, singing, squawking, and warbling that it feels cacophonous at times. Whether it is raining or sunny, the birds sing their beautiful songs of praise to the creator. They sing no matter what the weather, knowing that God cares for them and will provide.
If only we could be more like the birds. Singing praises to God no matter what circumstances we experience. Trusting that God will take care of us and provide. Secure in being loved by our creator. What songs of praise would we sing? Here is one to sing from Psalm 104:1-2, 10-16
Praise the Lord, my soul.
Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty.
He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains.
They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they sing among the branches.
He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the land is satisfied by the fruit of his work.
He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—
bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts,
oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.
The trees of the Lord are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.
The birds sing. The earth is well watered. Even when we are soggy, we can praise the Lord.