Always. Always what we Need.

We wake up to the sound of the rain drumming the ceiling above us, and with it the peppering of my mind with the coming events of our day.

Garbage out. Mike off to work. Pick up Uncle John. Fish for dinner.

“Mommy I can hear the rain,” my eldest whispers with his head cocked toward the window in awe. Probably because we haven’t heard that sound for so long.

I’m out of bed now, rubbing my eyes. Trying to focus, I manage to flip on the Keurig. Just one cup of coffee. I just need one cup of coffee.

Breakfast. Make the bed. Get us dressed. Out the door.

I expect to be annoyed running out to the car this morning, but with every one tucked quietly and belted into their seats, I smile to myself as I start the car.

At least it isn’t snowing.

We begin the drive thanking God for the rain. This simple prayer sets my day so clearly into focus, and with it, come the gentle lyrics of a song . . .

Send some rain, would you send some rain?
‘Cause the earth is dry and needs to drink again …

A plea for mercy. A plea for change. A plea for provision. We know those prayers well.

Moments of disappointment coupled by moments of creative surprise when God says “no” to a prayer by answering a different kind of “yes” –

Moments of waiting producing such hard-won character, building such faith in our hearts when we find ways to say thank you in difficult circumstances.

So many “no’s” and so many “yes’s” but always, always, always what we need.

Yes. Yes. A thousand times yes.

My heart beats hard inside me, and I can barely continue singing the words.

We have so much. Are so full. So rich. So thankful for all the answered prayers, and all the unanswered ones that have helped us reach today.

Because here we are, driving in the rain. And it’s no longer snowing.

You can listen to Gratitude by Nichole Nordeman here, or read the entire lyrics to her song here.