“How is it that every time I water the garden or wash the car it rains?”

Now, wait a minute. Do you really mean every time?

“Well, you know what I mean.”

No. I’m afraid I don’t know. Certainly you’re exaggerating.

“Well . . . OK, so often enough that it makes me upset.”

Rain can make you upset?

“You know what I mean . . .”

No. Again, I don’t—seems strange that rain has that effect on you. Powerful stuff to be able to reach inside of you and cause you to emote.

“OK, OK, I get the point.”

What is it?

“Well . . . ”

Let me help you: we sinners have learned to use language that removes responsibility from ourselves. That’s sinful! Rain can’t make you upset; you make yourself upset. And, partly, at least, that’s because you use language of exaggeration. Begin to think about your language—after all if you say something often enough, you might even begin to believe it!

Rain is God’s providential gift, or judgment, or whatever He intends for it to be. We get upset instead of saying, “Well, I had planned the picnic outside today, but God planned differently—He must have a reason.” Then, be happy if you can even figure out a piece of what He is doing in your life by upsetting your plans and substituting His. And whether or not you can—be grateful.