The Old Schoolhouse - March 2012

His Joyful Homeschooler
Sheila Campbell

The Sweet Smell of Rain

From my kitchen window I watch the clouds building in the south- east. The dark billows look like giant black waves with foaming peaks. White streaks within the dark mass threaten to pelt the earth and all that lies within its path with rocks of ice. As I watch the storm approach, I wonder how the storms in our lives would look if we could see them coming? If we could see them building on the horizon, how would we react to their approach? How would we prepare? How would we shelter our hearts?

The Texas panhandle has a dry climate, and moisture—however it comes—is always welcome. So as the rolling clouds begin to cover the great expanse of sky and blot out the late afternoon sun, I watch with both anticipation and apprehension. The storm hits, and the house echoes with the deafening sound of wind and rain. The clattering of small hail sounds against the windows. Lightning zigzags across the sky and thunder rattles the windows, seemingly shaking the very foundation of the house. I am thankful for the shelter of home that protects my family from suffering permanent harm.

Storms of life hit us in much the same way. Like the deafening sounds of rain and wind, they can consume our thoughts and block out all else. They rumble through our lives like a spring thunderstorm, shaking the foundation of our hearts. But if we have sheltered our family in the Word of God and built our foundation on the Rock, then we have a shelter in the storm.

When we thank God for the rain in our lives, we
find not only that our hearts are thankful, but often a
ray of joy returns even before the storm has passed.

Being a homeschool family has helped provide this shelter by allowing us to be together on a daily basis. We often talk about the benefits of life’s storms upon the gardens of our hearts and how “a little rain” can wash a heart clean, refresh our outlook, and motivate us to reset priorities. When we thank God for the rain in our lives, we find not only that our hearts are thankful, but often a ray of joy returns even before the storm has passed. It may not always be that “dance in the rain” gladness, but there is a contentment evident of a sheltered heart in the midst of the rain.

While the storm rages outside, my children and I gather inside. We talk about the benefit of the rain and the necessity of spring storms as we warm ourselves with hot chocolate and wait for the storm to pass. We know there may be some damage, and once the storm passes, some repairs to make, but we pray the damage will be minimal, and we take comfort knowing that we will tackle those projects together.

As the storm outside begins to pass,
the winds calm, the lightning ceases, and
the thunder becomes just a distant rum-
ble. The rain and hail that once pounded
against the windows and fell in sheets
beyond slows to a gentle, steady rhythm
that washes away the dirt and grime of
winter. I wrap a heavy jacket around my
shoulders and step out onto the shelter
of the porch. The air is cold, but it smells
so clean and crisp. The clouds become
lighter and glow with a pink hue as the
setting sun drops beneath the clouds and
colors the land with long rays of fuchsia
and gold. The awe and beauty, the quiet
stillness, and the sweet smell of the rain-
washed land make me wonder if this is
how a storm-washed heart appears.

Sheila Campbell began homeschooling in 1991, and a;er the death of her husband in 2001, she homeschooled as a single parent. She also was the parent of a special needs child whom she cared for at home until his death in 2004. ;ese di;culties have strengthened her walk with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and it is her prayer that her words will encourage and inspire others. Sheila invites you to visit her blog at pausingtopraise.wordpress.com.