Finally some RAIN!

Finally, some rain! But will it be enough to end the drought we are in? Unfortunately, it will not. According to the Virginia Drought Monitor, we are experiencing the 6th-driest January-to-April period on record since 1895. We normally average 9.04 in. total precipitation, so we are 4.48 in. below normal. Some areas in North Carolina are experiencing the worst drought on record.

I was talking to a neighbor about his garden, and drought impacts came up. He mentioned waiting to plant and seeing his garden thrive, while some neighbors who planted early had to replant due to drought stress, highlighting the importance of timing during dry conditions.

As an avid gardener, I am well aware that germination needs moisture. The water triggers imbibition, in which the seed absorbs water, swells, and activates enzymes to break the seed coat and initiate growth. (Frugal Gardening). But too much rain, as it has been for several years, will cause the seed to rot in the ground. Another potential problem is planting when the ground is too cold, or when a cold spell sets in and stunts germination. I've found that planting at the right time, when soil moisture and temperature are optimal, helps me feel confident in my gardening choices. Installing a zoned misting system and using well water has also reassured me that I can adapt to drought conditions and keep my garden thriving.

What has me most concerned is my spring at the house. It has quit producing water. Before the drought, I spent time cleaning and shoring up the plumbing, and I was really excited about the results of my testing. I had plenty of water flowing into the cylinders and, consequently, up to the house. Then I noticed that day after day the water flow decreased; now there is no water at all.  This spring, for about 50 years, was the house's only water source. The original owner raised 6 children, with this being their only source of water. Apparently, when the property was sold, the new owners decided to put a well in and cap off the spring to the house. As soon as I purchased the property, I decided to get the spring operable. Over the years, I have really enjoyed having access to spring water. So I hope that once we have substantial rain, the water table will rise and I will be able to enjoy cool spring water again.

Fortunately, the creek is spring-fed by the Blue Ridge Mountains and numerous groundwater sources, and it is low but still moving.

The situation was considered in light of a spiritual application. It seems that many Christians and the Church are in a spiritual drought. We see the Holy Spirit as a representative of a drought monitor, speaking and laying out the facts. Are we listening?

Sadly, there is a lack of prayer. It has become a watering can approach. We spend just enough time gathering a few scriptures and a short prayer to trusting it will be enough to get us through the day, or sometimes a week or weeks. When things begin to wilt in our lives, we wonder why. You see, what it takes is a good soaking, that is, serious time alone with God in prayer. The Holy Spirit will use the Word as a moisture meter, and when we take the time to look, it will show us where we are. Dry or moist?

What a blessing when we allow the Holy Spirit to do His work. How happy is the believer and the church when prayer becomes the central focus! He will visit with times of refreshing and replenishing, with Christ Himself as the rain, springs, and fountains. He who holds the clouds in His hands will guide them so that all we have planted in prayer will be watered and produce a harvest in abundance.