Rain Falling On A Tin Roof

and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

Acts 14:17

"The branch of the vine does not worry, and toil, and rush here to seek for sunshine, and there to find rain. No; it rests in union and communion with the vine; and at the right time, and in the right way, is the right fruit found on it. Let us so abide in the Lord Jesus.”

Author: Taylor, Hudson

"Glad to see y'all."



The voice carried forward by a tone of genuine hospitality.

People gathered into the living room of the old home place. A place in need of repair in many spots. The years since the civil war had petrified the wood giving the place a nostalgic look.



"Get in here before you catch pneumonia from the rain," my momma urged to our relatives.



A storm had blown up with a much needed rain. The crops, especially the cotton, was in dire straits. The drought had turned everything to dust nearly. The few cows remaining in the dairy weren't complaining about the weather either.



"Listen to it come down,"she exclaimed,"The good Lord takes care of us when we believe."



The sounds of raindrops hitting the old tin roof relaxed everyone into a settled mood. Time was passed talking about family and friends. About how they were doing and to pass along a greeting from us. The children, mostly cousins, entertained themselves with games. Sitting on the front porch the sense of well being and contentment was all around us. No TV, computers, or in other media to distract us. Only one thing to listen to was the Grand Ole Opera that night. The various country singers would sing as the cool wind blowed. It was like the breath of God blowing away all of our cares for the week.



The week had been a hard one as we tried to make our crops. Our hands were blistered and our necks were scalded red from the sun. The sun has no mercy in a sky with no clouds. Salt from our sweat burned our eyes. Wiping away the only moisture we felt in those hot summer fields. God always supplies a refuge though. In the distance sat an old oak tree to give us shade. The few moments we got to block out the sun from us was much appreciated. Time was of the essence though; the crops weren't going to pick themselves. With no rain there wasn't much to pick and the cows were beginning to look a might poorly. But now, God had sent his rain.



The ground soaked it up. God sends His blessings when we need it most.



"Come and eat. Suppers ready,"was the call that brought us out of the trance. Staring at the rainfall is almost hypnotic at times. It seems to relax the troubled and weary soul of lives hardships.



We gathered to the table and said grace. Truly thankful to God for what we had. Even though we had little, we shared it with others. God blessed us and we were just returning the favor.



Eating our meal, it felt like we hadn't eaten in ages. As each family member got up, they thanked my mother for a wonderful meal. We returned to the porch to socialize a while longer. The down pour was letting up, and it was getting late. Moving through the house swiftly I lit the oil lamps for some light to see our family off. They had traveled a good distance to see us. We were much obliged by their company.



"Before you leave I want you to take these tomatoes," declared my momma.



We waved good bye and wished them well. As they moved further away I looked at momma, and seen tears in her eyes. She truly missed family when they left.



"Momma," I asked,"Why did you give them our best tomatoes?"



"God wants us to give the best we have to Him, and when we give all we have, even to the least, we give it to Him."



My momma wasn't educated. She had no degrees or anything. She could barely even read or write. But no philosopher or teacher could sum up God's heart like she could in just a few words. Those words of love and kindness I hold close to my heart.

by

Louise Gargus, my Mother
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