Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.  Psalm 51: 1-2   NIV

 I loved playing in the rain when I was a kid. I walked right beside the curb where all the water gathered on its way to the gutter.  The rain fell on me as I would dance.  I was free.

What about rain is so inviting?  Is it the smell or maybe the coolness of it as it falls on your skin?  Have you noticed before a good rain the air is humid and heavy around you, you can hardly breathe?  Then after the rain, the air is clean, all the impurities, all the dirt, gone for a time.

 Somewhere along the way, I stopped playing in that rain I loved so much as a child… until recently. My kids asked me to join them in the pouring rain not long ago.  I happily accepted the invite.  The rain began at my head and ran all the way down to my toes, drenching me.  I was a kid again.  It was just as I remembered, yet better somehow.

 Now that I’m older and know the love of Christ and what He did for me on the cross, I couldn’t help but think of that rain as God’s love and forgiveness as it fell upon me and washed away my sins, all my dirt and impurities gone once again.  There in the middle of the street, head tilted and arms stretched, I stood being washed in His mercy and washed in His love.  I was so refreshed, so invigorated, that I now take all opportunities to stand in the rain.

 Next time it rains, minus the thunder and lightning, go out and let the rain fall on you. Close your eyes and confess your sin. Trust me; you will feel the freedom of His grace.

 Lord, help me to always be humble enough to confess my sin to you, no matter what it may be. Help me to remember that without confession there is no forgiveness. Thank you for always being with me and for forgiving each and every sin, time after time after time. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.