It’s become commonplace to “become a fan” of various things on Facebook. From M&M’s to “taking naps” you can pretty much post your allegiance or affection for anything and everything. There are even “smell of rain” groups where individuals can affirm the benefits of a freshly watered Earth.
Enjoying the rain is not a new phenomenon. After all, Fred Astaire danced in it, and many a school children has spent hours playing in downpours and their resultant puddles. In our personal lives though, we often refer to rain as something to suffer through. We talk about “storms” and “downpours” recognizing that a deluge of circumstances can often make us feel like we are drowning in the rain rather than splashing around it.
However, Christians can look forward to a different type of reign; the reign that comes when the only Authority is the One that commands the waters to fall. We can look forward to that day knowing that the rain in this life can help prepare us for the future Reign. The temporal storms prepare us for the heavenly peace. We may still find it difficult to enjoy the rain, but hopefully we can more rightly consider its benefit. As rain on Earth is needed for plants to grow, rain in our own lives is needed for the same reason. By persevering through the storm, we are better prepared for the coming Reign. And that’s when we will truly understand what enjoyment is.