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A couple of years ago, a struggling friend told me, “Everyone always leaves.” Around that time, whenever she and I talked, we would pretend we were sitting on a bench in a park, just the two of us. Because somehow the world felt a little lighter that way.
When she mentioned her fear of my leaving, I told her I would stay and, without hesitation, she asked, “What if it rains?”
A couple weeks ago, years after that conversation, it started raining and I thought of that precious friend. As I stood at the window praying and gazing at the droplets of water pouring from billowing clouds, a thought came to me: most of us want to be the friend who stays…even in the rain. But instead of simply waiting out the rain and allowing it to weary our hearts…why don’t we learn to dance in it?
So, I hurried outside in bare feet, chilled by the winter winds whistling through the grey-hued skies. And right then and there, in the middle of the rainstorm…I danced.
And this is what I learned…
1. Dancing in the rain is hard.
I am not exaggerating when I say that my feet were entirely numb by the time I finally went inside. The wet sticks laying randomly in the field by my house poked at my skin, and I slipped in the icy mud several times. It was hard to see because the rain was pouring. My heart beat faster than usual because the air was thick and heavy.
Dancing in the rain is hard.
And that’s okay.
Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Even Jesus acknowledged that this life is messy. Always remember…the world is heavy and overwhelming at times, but the world was not created to rest on your shoulders. It belongs in Jesus’ hands alone, for He has overcome. So, as you dance, just go one step at a time. Trust in the Lover of your soul to guide your feet to the notes of the sparrows’ song.
2. The absence of sunshine is not the absence of the sun itself.
Hellen Keller, who was both blind and deaf, once said, “Keep your face on the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.” Sometimes we get so caught up in chasing shadows that we forget to remember the sunshine. No matter how deep or dark of a storm we find ourselves in, the sun is always out there somewhere.
Just as the moon is always round.
Just as God is always good.
It is hard to remember the truth when we are in the middle of a rainstorm. But don’t lose heart, friends! Keep your faces on the sunshine!
“Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun.”—Ecclesiastes 11:7
3. Jesus allows the rain to fall.
“Ask rain from the LORD in the season of the spring rain, from the LORD who makes the storm clouds, and He will give them showers of rain, to everyone the vegetation in the field.”—Zechariah 10:1
The rain was created for the earth to bloom and grow. Without it we wouldn’t have the beautiful blessing of flowers dancing in breeze-graced fields. Share on XThe rain was created for the earth to bloom and grow. Without it we wouldn’t have the beautiful blessing of flowers dancing in breeze-graced fields. There wouldn’t be rainbows painted across the skies after dreary storms. There wouldn’t be new life in springtime. What a tragedy that would be!
Sometimes Jesus allows rain showers in our lives so that we can learn to praise Him even in the pain, sorrow, and heartache. And that’s hard.
But don’t stop dancing, friend. Keep the memory of sunshine teeming from your heart! Your faith is being refined in the process.
“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 1:6-7
I Hope You Dance
Friend, I pray you don’t ever stop dancing.
I pray you don’t stop dancing because Jesus is dancing right with you. The Artist of the Skies knows that behind every rainstorm is a beautiful sunrise, a breathtaking rainbow, and a bluebird’s precious song.
The Artist of the Skies knows that behind every rainstorm is a beautiful sunrise, a breathtaking rainbow, and a bluebird’s precious song. Share on XRest in knowing that the Lover of your soul is with you every step.
“O LORD my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and forevermore.”-Psalm 131
this is beautiful, Rue <3 thank you for this reminder!
Eyy, thank you, friend <3 I'm so very glad it was a good reminder for you.
Rue, thank you for this beautiful article! I love the verses you shared. Thank you!
My pleasure! I’m very glad you enjoyed it <3
Wow! This was great Rue!
After reading this, it made me think of something: you will never regret dancing in the rain. After learning my bf had cancer, I had two choices: 1. Leave, or 2. Stay, even though it is raining. So thankful I stayed in the rain all the way to the end of her life– but I could not have done it without God’s grace and help.
If you have a friend in the rain, don’t leave just because you don’t want pain! I understand, no one wants to suffer or watch their friend suffer! And I agree, it’s hard out to be in the rain. It hurts, it’s cold and painful, but I believe it’s a lot more painful to LEAVE. After the rain, there is life (like you said in point 3). For my friend, that was heaven. For me, that was more rain (grief), but also spiritual growth, an abundance of a desire to be a better friend to others, and the reminder that Jesus is our best friend. I never regretted staying or dancing in the rain.
So… I guess what I’m saying is that following Jesus never brings regret!!
Thank you again, Rue, for your message, what a great real-life example of what it looks like to pick up our cross and follow Jesus. Thank you!!
This was so beautiful, Rue! Whenever I read your writing, it takes my breath away. Your faith is amazing!
oh, rue, this is beautiful! <3
I started following your blog because of this article. I love your brave approach to your life. May you continue to teach us.
From an adult who is now following you.
Oh friend *big huggles* that is so so hard, but I am truly blessed to hear that you chose to stay with your dear friend in that hard season of life. I know I have been in that situation before, and it is hard to choose to stay, but oh so very worth it in the end! Thank you for trusting Jesus with your heartache and with all the lovely memories that come with dancing in the rain! <3
Oh, Alannah! Thank you, my friend. Your sweet words mean so much to me, though, I am certain it is yet not I but through Christ in me. <3
Thank you, Reece <33
Ohh, your words are so encouraging and kind! Thank you. <3 Let Christ alone be glorified, eyy?
This was…amazing. I LOVED it so much and I needed it very badly. Thank you so much Rue!!!
Ahhh this is so beautiful and encouraging! <3 Thank you!
Amazing article, Rue! So encouraging! Praying we all will have the courage to dance in the rain!
Oh, Rue…this is wonderful. I loved it so much.
And…you used the quote, didn’t you? That made my heart so happy when I read it. “The moon is always round.” Thank you for always giving me that reminder. 💛🌻
This is so beautiful, Rue. Thank you for the amazing reminder <3
Aw, I am so glad, Grace!
Aw, thank you, KJ! I’m very glad to hear that!
Thank you, Olivia! I’m so glad it was encouraging!
Eyyy, I’m so very glad, Piper. And yes *huggles* I did. Thank you for introducing it to me, it is a priceless truth. <3
Aw, thank you, my friend! I am glad it was a good reminder!