After the “bright blue weather” of October, we’ve entered the grey days of November. And it’s glorious! 

I planted some pansies and other things a couple of weeks ago, but the dirt was so dry I had to fill each little hole with water and let it perk through to soak the thirsty soil. We’ve been in a recent severe drought in our area, with a deficit of about 12 inches of rainfall this year.

The late summer tropical storms and hurricanes usually fix that, but it was a relief not to deal with those this year. I guess we can’t have it both ways.

But finally, perfect November rains have started. Perfect, because we’ve had light showers for several days, allowing the water to penetrate the earth slowly. A hard rain would have been unable to soak in immediately, resulting in run-offs and wash-outs.

This made me think of a speech from Shakespeare that I memorized for a drama class in college. (Portia’s speech to Shylock in The Merchant of Venice Act 4 Scene 1)

The quality of mercy is not strained;
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:

About halfway through the monologue, she says,

It is enthronèd in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;

Not a gully-washer. Not a fire hose. Not a downpour. Gentle rain blessing the earth in my little part of the globe, giving all nature a chance to drink deeply.

This is what God has been doing and continues to do in my life. Oh, I’ve had a few “fire-hose” experiences, but they often fade quickly because it’s too much to take in at once.

Showers of blessing. Showers of mercy. Just when we think we’re so thirsty, we’ll dry up and blow away. But they’re often accompanied by gray days.

Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” – Matthew 5:6

My problem is that sometimes, I don’t know what I’m hungry or thirsty for. That’s where God’s mercy and grace take over.

I don’t know if we’ll get enough rain this week to break the drought, but every inch helps. Drought doesn’t last forever, neither do drizzly grey days.

I’ll finish here with a quote from the King James Bible, translated into English around the time of Shakespeare.

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endureth forever. – Psalm 107:1

May you feel a splash of God’s goodness today that quenches your thirst!