A state of nourishment

A gray day along River Road in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Many parts of the U.S. woke up not only to Christmas presents today, but also to rainy weather. It's an easy thing to drift into the common thought about the rain as a sad weather condition, something to be tolerated for now. In a way, however, it's perfect for this holiday and its celebration of birth and renewal for the world.

With the calm, steady nourishment of rain, the earth is regenerated and renewed, gaining a new sense of vigor and vitality. The darker skies are a condition of that process, but we carry on, confident in its result. We know that when the clouds clear, nature will be renewed all around us. Similarly, more difficult experiences have a way of leading us to brighter days. The "rain" in our lives helps us grow and feel a sense of renewal. It heralds the coming of the sun, and when it shines, it fills our experiences like light flooding into a room.

Even in darkness, when hope seems a failure, we've all seen glimmers of sun in our lives, which show us the light still exists and is improving the world. This day is included in that light, no matter how hard the rain falls. And the beautiful thing is, we have Christmas to remind us there is so much good to go around in this world, and so many opportunities to feel its warm embrace.

— Gareth Henderson