Growing up in California, I can say with some expertise that heavy rain is pretty infrequent. And when that rain arrives, the “storm” usually shows up in the fall or winter months. But a summer shower is something I rarely see.
Early one morning, the summer skies opened for just a few minutes and released a shower of tears. A mixture of sunlight and darkened clouds, the rain burst through, shaking up a facade of perfection. And just as quickly as the rain begun, the skies cleared, revealing a brand new day.
How many of us experience a life storm, a truly unexpected burst in what just prior, seemed like a cloudless open sky? Some face breaks in relationships, surprising seismic shifts. Others are shocked with changes in professional journeys, health challenges or issues with family. The rain is strong, often feeling relentless. It is almost impossible to imagine a break in the steady scorching stream.
But the sun inevitably peeks through. It does every time. In the storm, the sun is forgotten. But after, the sun’s rays feel almost palpable. As we are taught, “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in its wings” (Malachi 3:20).
Summer showers may be rare. But the rain is a great reminder of the promising sun that assures return, over and over again.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Nicole Guzik is a rabbi at Sinai Temple. She can be reached at her Facebook page at Rabbi Nicole Guzik or on Instagram @rabbiguzik. For more writings, visit Rabbi Guzik’s blog section from Sinai Temple’s website.
