Soaked.

I got caught in a thunderstorm as I rode home from work tonight on my bike. The menacing clouds that had been building in the east finally let loose to water the thirsty earth. It didn't precipitate much at first—just enough that I couldn’t differentiate between the sweat and the rain drops on my face. In all honesty I wanted it to pour. I love getting caught in the rain, and a light sprinkle just isn’t sufficient. My family had contacted me, wondering if I would be alright in the storm or if I wanted a ride. In my stubbornness and love for a good challenge I declined their offers and set off in the midst of the thunder and lightning.

Sometimes I think I consider myself invincible. That’s probably not the best thing to believe about one’s self, and as I was pondering what the consequences of such an opinion might conclude (for example, getting struck by lightning in one of Florida’s mighty summer thunderstorms), God Himself thundered His agreement above with a huge lighting strike and thunderclap directly in front of me. It was enough to shake me back to reality and consider pedaling a little faster the rest of the way home—as I breathed out an “Oh! Okay God, protect me!” When I was within a few blocks of safety the heavens opened up and the downpour began. If I wanted to get soaked, I got my wish. I am happy to say that when I arrived at home with my family standing on the front porch to welcome me, grateful I was alive, I was drenched through—and rejoicing.