"A New Day Has Come" - Celine Dion

"Let the rain come down and wash away my tears,
Let it fill my soul and drown my fears,
Let it shatter the walls for a new, new sun,
A new day has come."

Thinking about something, that at the time seemed unfortunate, makes me recall A New Day Has Come by Celine Dion. My music tastes are quite eclectic - from Rock and Roll to Country to the Top 40 to Broadway to Celine Dion. I guess my music tastes reflect the many dimensions of my personality quite well.

Anyway, this has been the rainiest summer I can remember in my short twenty-four years. This July, it feels as though rain has marked every day. On Wednesday, I dressed in my favorite simple, black dress and headed to campus for class, no umbrella in tote for the first time all month. The weatherman promised (or so I thought) that there would be no rain, just a dry, hot summer day. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, so I foolishly believed him.

Not taking an umbrella to campus is a lesson I learned the hard way when I was nineteen. My first semester in college, I parked my car and walked across the campus from Lot 100 to the Biological Sciences Building East (for those who don't know - it's a lengthy trek). I'm about half way there when the skies open up and Heaven literally falls down upon me. Needless to say, I get drenched then enter into the freezing cold building. Now, any sensible person would have gone home and skipped class. Did I fail to mention this was my FIRST ever college test day? Oh yea, that's why I was heading to class. I took my first college test soaking wet and freezing. (I got an A though!) :)

Six years later and I am still making rookie, freshmen mistakes. My class on Wednesday ends, and I leave Harrington Tower and begin walking to my car. Again, I'm about halfway to my car and the heavens once again unleash upon me. I consider running into a building, but think twice. For the second time in a month, I take off my sandals place them in my bag, make sure it is closed completely to protect my computer, and saunter to my car. That's right - I strolled or walked with a leisurely gait (courtesy of dictionary.com), unconcerned with the rain falling on my head, soaking my clothes and hair.

I have to admit, it was a refreshing feeling. For the first time I can remember, I did not feel like sugar melting away, but more like oil resisting solubility. Later, I reflected on why I acted so out-of-character. The only reaction and reasonable explanation I could come up with - I felt at peace.

When there is nothing wrong, we have nothing to fear, and we truly feel at peace with our lives, with God and with the world around us, little to nothing can penetrate deeply to bother our consciousness. Currently, I am blissfully, blessedly happy. My life is moving in the direction I have worked hard to propel it, my physical and mental health are in harmony, my family is healthy and happy, and my relationships with friends continue to deepen.

When I think about rain, I think about the sky. When I think about the sky, I see Heaven. When I think about Heaven, I think about praying. When I think about praying, I feel God's presence. The unexpected rain on Wednesday made me stop and evaluate the current state of my life. I owe it all to a greater purpose. Once again, my reminder that Someone far beyond my tiny world is part of everything.

"Let the rain come down and wash away my tears,
Let it fill my soul and drown my fears,
Let it shatter the walls for a new, new sun,
A new day has come."