Umbrellas, Who Knew?

It’s raining today. Rainy days and me have a love-hate relationship. I love them because it means a good solid day to stay inside and read and watch movies without feeling bad because you’re sitting inside. I hate them because it means no work and no money during the summer, not to mention they are kind of gloomy.

Recently, however, I have found a new appreciation for rainy days. Umbrellas. Are we talking about those crazy things with wire and cloth? That’s it! I really like umbrellas! Today, I came across a revelation though – why do I like them so much? It is because, they have a symbolic meaning. Let’s think about this, shall we?

Rain is usually no fun. Its wet, it makes you cold, and its constant. Nobody wants to be in the rain. Sin is no fun. Its bad for you, its appalling to God, and its constant as well. Nobody wants to be living in sin. Can you see the similarity? So…let’s say sin is the rain…

The Umbrella protects us from the rain. Its sole purpose is to keep us out of the rain. God is there to keep us away from sin. He protects us from evil desires and from getting hurt. In Psalms it says, “For he has delivered me from all my troubles and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.” Then to ensure full protection from a life of condemnation, he sent his son. Umbrellas don’t have sons, but there are such things as ponchos and rain boots.

Granted God can’t stop us from sinning, and we will even in his grace, but he wants us to learn too. He teaches us through specific instances and gives us lessons to learn from. Umbrellas can’t fully protect you from the rain. They are there as a covering. But who’s to say if you don’t have those rain boots, your feet won’t get wet? We learn. The next time we bring rain boots. Then who’s to say our arms won’t get wet with the wind and rain? We learn. The next time we bring our poncho. God wants us to see the world, but not be living for the world; so we can hear the rain, feel the cool air of rain and see the rain, but the Umbrella is there to keep us dry and warm.

Some people do like to play in the rain, but what does that usually end up in? Pneumonia and typhoid fever (it does, trust me). So even if we play in sin and dabble in it, it is not good for us and usually results in something much worse, such as sickness.

So as you can see, Umbrellas are amazing! I love being protected, yet being able to see and feel and be aware of what can come at me. Next time you see its raining, make sure to take your umbrella with you.