Rain at last!

Hi there! This may seem a strange title for our Vancouver Centre, but we have actually enjoyed a long dry summer this year. I believe July was the driest on record, and very little has fallen in August until just this week. Under such conditions, we often will get a thunderstorm, and such was the case last night. Personally, I love storms, especially windstorms. If you live on the Prairies, you can get spectacular displays of lightning, particularly chain lightning. If you live by a body of water, you will know that you are often subject to a strong wind factor. After such a long dry spell, however, the rain is welcome. The air feels fresh and clean. It settles the dust, and people can literally breathe easier. Of course, the earth and plants are very grateful, too. It doesn't take long for the grass to become lush and green again. Oh, and don't forget to watch for a rainbow! There is such a thing also as being "spiritually" parched. I see this all the time in people I know who have failed to acknowledge the presence of God. I feel it every Sunday as I sit, absorbed in the Act of Consecration of Man, and am so grateful to have this in my life. Without spiritual "water" a person can eventually wilt and dry up under the glare or pressure of everyday life, especially in times of crisis. As we prepare to return to our regular Fall activities and come together again, let us keep this in mind and be ever grateful for the fact that we have the opportunity to experience "drinking from the well" on a regular basis. There are lots of songs about the desert and water, but this is one of my favorites, called "Desert Pete": I was travelin' west of Buckskin on my way to a cattle run, 'cross a little cactus desert under a hot, blisterin' sun. Thirsty down to my toenails, I stopped to rest me on a stump, but I tell you I just couldn't believe it when I saw that water pump. I took it to be a mirage at first. It'll fool a thirsty man. Then I saw a note stuck in a bakin' powder can. "This pump is old," the note began, "but she works. So give'er a try. I put a new sucker washer in 'er. You may find the leather dry. Chorus: You've got to prime the pump. You must have faith and believe. You've got to give of yourself 'fore you're worthy to receive. Drink all the water you can hold. Wash your face cool your feet. Leave the bottle full for others. Thank you kindly, Desert Pete. Yeah, you'll have to prime the pump, work that handle like there's a fire. Under the rock you'll find some water left there in a bitter's jar. Now there's just enough to prime it with, so don't you go drinkin' first. Just pour it in and pump like mad and, buddy, you'll quench your thirst. (Chorus) Well, I found the jar, and I tell you, nothin' was ever prettier to my eye and I was tempted strong to drink it because that pump looked mighty dry, but the note went on, "Have faith, my friend, there's water down below. You've got to give to really get. I'm the one who ought to know." So I poured in the jar and started pumpin' and I heard a beautiful sound of water bubblin' 'n' splashin' up out of that hole in the ground. Then I took off my shoes and drunk my fill of that cold refreshin' treat. Then I thanked the Lord, and I thanked the pump, and I thanked old Desert Pete. Sparky