Witnessing an early morning rain inspires the visions for this poem. It is amazing how a view through an open window can bring forth images to write from.
This poem has been crafted as a traditional sonnet with 14 verses, each containing 10 syllables. An intricate rhyming scheme is followed in each stanza with every other verse.
Dry, parched farmland stretches for endless miles. Tender wheat sprouts are beginning to wither under early June’s hottest sun. Will rain arrive in time to save this year’s crop?
At the intersection of two country roads sits a small, wood-framed church. The location is called Fertile Prairie, which seems appropriate with the scattered farms up and down either road.
Today the church gathers farmers and their families. They have been assembling daily to join as one voice in prayer. Their petitions focus on God’s faithfulness. According to His plans, in time He will release nature’s rain-filled drink for their wilting fields.
While prayers continue to be lifted from the inside of the church, dark clouds are filling the outside sky. Will they finally bring the Lord’s blessed rain?
At first, a few drops find the parched ground. More follow in unison until a steady, grace-filled rain is watering the fields.
Outside the church stands six-year old Tommy. He has been waiting outside and smiling at the darkening clouds. His young heart feels joy as the rain begins to nourish the land.
Inside the church, the assembly hears the falling rain. They gather at the door to look out. Smiles, filled with hope, share praises to the Lord.
They realize that Tommy is standing under an umbrella. He is the only person who brought an umbrella. This young boy has never wavered in his own faithfulness.
Tommy’s mother asks him, “What on earth caused you to bring an umbrella today?”
Tommy confidently replies, “Last night during my prayers, God reminded me to bring an umbrella. Never doubting, I made sure that I brought one today.”
God sometimes does His work with gentle drizzle, not storms.
From Deuteronomy 32:2-3: “May my teaching drop like the rain,my speech condense like the dew, like gentle rain on grass,like showers on new growth. For I will proclaim the name of the Lord,ascribe greatness to our God!”
John Newton (1725-1807) was an English pastor who also was a writer of several hymns, including the beloved “Amazing Grace.” His early life is filled with contrasts, when compared to his later life. He served as a ship’s captain during the slave trade, but later renounced his work after his conversion to Christianity. He became an outspoken opponent of the slave trade later in his life.
Big Sky Buckeye 