The silence of the rain and the power of a smile

The last few days have been moderately damp for riding. I have ridden, nonetheless, and have found that there is an odd stillness when it rains which is somehow very comforting. The roads are a little more interesting to ride upon, which requires one to slow down, but that is never a bad thing anyway.

Today, I had an opportunity to do some extensive riding for work. I rode out to Ken's Educational Joys in Hinkletown, PA to buy some items for one of my clients. It was a pleasant ride through the country and I found myself smiling as I listened to praise music on my MP3 player. My wife and I had received a financial gift to help pay our mortgage, and some gift cards for a local food store, and while our financial concerns have not all been met, hope is on the horizon and our spirits have been comforted.

As I listened to the music and sang along, I felt much of my stress and anxiety melting away. It was a freeing experience for me. I felt at peace for the first time in a long while.

I kept smiling and noticed that as I did so, those I passed smiled back. Before too long, I felt my face starting to hurt I was smiling so broadly.

I know that my situation is not yet resolved, but I take comfort in the words of Psalm 27, especially the last few lines:

"I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.

Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD."

It is a great comfort to have much of scripture memorized. The words give me hope when there is little to be found.