I don’t take enough photos in rainy weather. This one is a natural form of photographic watercolour, taken inside my parked car down on the esplanade. The rain belting down took all the sharpness away, muted the colours, and distorted every straight line. To me at least- it’s fascinating. Will it be chosen by the Tourist Office to attract holidaymakers? Unlikely!
Today has given me a surprise- my garden suddenly has three new water features! Rainfall has been so heavy the water-sodden ground can’t drain it away, so deep puddles are spreading. Some local roads are flooding again, and the field nearby could host a Regatta. We’re a little fed up, here in Bognor (famous for long sunshine hours)- although we’re much better off than elsewhere. It has been raining more than usual since October, and most Bognorians are muttering rudely about the rain. Please can we have our sunshine back…
Photography should be a reflection of the whole of life, all sorts of weather, including inconvenient downpours. Life is not all sunshine and pretty flowers- it includes Storm “Henk” and thorny plants.
In the Bible, rain is portrayed as a blessing and witness- Acts 14:17 “Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”
Rain is also a sign of God’s righteousness- Isaiah 45:8 “You heavens above, rain down my righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness flourish with it; I, the LORD, have created it.”
And, of course, there is the Flood narrative in Genesis… “Never again” said God.
Repentance and forgiveness also share the symbolism of rain- 1 Kings 8:35-36 “When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because your people have sinned against you, and when they pray toward this place and give praise to your name and turn from their sin because you have afflicted them, then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people Israel. Teach them the right way to live, and send rain on the land you gave your people for an inheritance.”
So, more rain photos are required to accurately reflect this life and world. Somehow it is easier to “see” the blessing of sunsets- but all that really means is I’m not looking hard enough, or not in the right places!
I wonder… what has been your response to more extreme weather? Have you been sad or grouchy? Natural enough, you will say. But are we WILLING to look for God beyond our blue-sky comfort zones? We may find more than we expect…
The Reflectionary 