05/19/2026
I can recount many Spring mornings grandpa coming in from the milk barn, getting a cup of water, and standing at the kitchen window to watch the storms come in. It was guaranteed that he would say the same thing every time. “Natalie, look at that. The rain’s commin’ in.”
We woke up this morning to the most refreshing sound of a steady rain, and I found myself remembering grandpa’s conversations surrounding the weather no matter what he was doing. He was always so relieved when it would rain, for his farm depended on it.
As I was helping guide math activities this morning, I opened all the windows to enjoy the sounds of thunder, and the baby birds chirping away that have made several nests along the back deck. I warmed up my coffee for the third time, and I couldn’t help but smile.
I have good memories of a simple life with my grandparents, and I often find myself being grateful for the same simple things they were grateful for.
Without realizing similar patterns are evident in the tiniest of details woven into my life, I looked over to my youngest two, and said, “Look at that. The rain is giving our land a big drink of water. We can’t make it rain. It is a gift from God.”
My youngest son, with all seriousness, said, “Mama, it’s like presents falling from the sky.”
I love making conversations meaningful no matter who it is with, but children bring me to a place of joy, innocence, loving-kindness, and I see a much bigger purpose in it all.
With reheated coffee in hand, and the children’s math, I couldn’t help but tear up thinking about all of those memories, and what God has helped me overcome.
Even though my grandfather was not a believing man, the good things will always stand out. And I’m thankful he was in my life.
We serve a redeeming God, a God of justice, but also a God full of mercy and grace. I’m thankful to know that He can rain down all of His attributes as a gift in ways that speak to us all so differently.
May peace be with you today.
-Natalie 🫶🏻
