Cleansing

In a whirlwind, like in my present life seems to be, I always try to find time to just quiet my mind and get caught up in the moment.

Last week, we were in the San Francisco bay area at my new job. So much to absorb: The work, the chore of looking for a place to live.

My first day on the job, some people I talked to mentioned how dry it had been -- months without rain. Being a western-raised kid, I know how these can go, and that made my appreciation ten fold when the rain started coming a few days into the trip.

If you've ever experienced a drought, or lived on a desert, you will know what I'm talking about. When that first rain comes, there is a smell like no other. An earthiness, a freshness, hopefulness and realization.

All that, in a little fresh rain.

The drive from SFO to the little hamlet where we resided for a week was filled with finding our way, dry cool weather and promising clouds.

The return drive was dotted with remnants of rain from the clouds that had come to bear fruit over several. At one point, it seemed like there was this tiny cloud, just over head. It seemed our car was the only one with the wipers on.

Probably not, but this was one of those moments, where reflection upon the busy week, the striving and accomplishing and wishing to do better, peeled away, washed by the gentle, cleansing rain.