One of my favorite movies is “Singin’ in the Rain” with Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds—the 1952 classic. “Why?” you ask. Because I actually do it!
As crazy as it sounds, I “sing” and “run” in the rain. It happened quite by accident six years ago. I was jogging my regular three miles and got caught in a torrential downpour. Ducking for cover was my first thought, so I hung out “under the overhang” of a neighbor’s house—waiting for the storm to pass (which it didn’t—it got worse!). So I made the decision to leave my “safe” place and start jogging in the rain (the singing part came later!).
This past weekend I had an opportunity to “exercise” my favorite activity—since it rained on and off since Friday. The people who know me—just leave me alone. They don’t stop or ask questions (thankfully!). But for those “new” to the neighborhood, they are just a little befuddled.
They stop and ask, “Do you know it’s raining?” Umm . . . I’m always stumped by that one. Or they roll down their car window (not too far—though!), and ask, “Excuse me, Miss, do you need a ride?” And I politely respond, “No, thanks. I’m just singin’ in the rain!” They speed off—spraying mud in my face—while I continue on my run.
I know what they’re thinking, Crazy lady—they should lock her up. Why would anyone deliberately run in the rain? Well, let me tell you why.
Several years ago, I fell and broke my foot (see previous post – February 28). I have a limp—a constant annoyance. But the only time it doesn’t bother me is when I run (strangely enough). And then there’s the idea of doing something “different,” which suits me just fine. Most “normal” people hide from the rain, they carry umbrellas, seek cover or just plain stay indoors.
Nope—not me.
I would rather revel in it. Sometimes I open my mouth and catch the raindrops falling from the sky, splash in the puddles or dance in the sprinkles—twirling around with my arms outstretched toward the heavens. Don’t you think this is odd behavior?
Not really.
It’s a form of worship for me. I never feel more alive than when I’m dancing in the liquid sunshine and shouting His praises.
Did you realize there are things we can all do that don’t require that we necessarily get wet from pouring down rain, but release our spirit to enjoy the gift of life—to walk without a “limp,” to worship the God of the universe, and (oh, did I fail to mention this…), have fun?
I played it safe (most of my life) . . . skipping over mud puddles, spreading my umbrella, and putting on my “puddle jumpers,” but in the process I missed a whole lot of living. So from now on, I’m going to keep “singin’ in the rain—oh, what a glorious feeling!”
Footnote: Feel free to join me anytime! Just leave those galoshes at home—okay? 
17 Comments
Ahh - a woman after my own heart! I refuse to carry an umbrella for this very reason! I love the spring rains, especially!
Keep singing Connie dear. I’m singing right along with you!
Loved your post… Your joy shines through like a blast of sunshine!
“I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me…”
I’ve learned something important: Take off all mascara or use waterproof before venturing out! One time I came home and had black smudges all down my face (like a sad clown). I laughed for days . . . no wonder the car sped away!
It’s great to know that I’m in good company! Keep singin’ in the rain!
Hugs,
Connie
You challenge me to be joyful in all things, Connie. Thanks for being you.
It’s not raining here today, but I think I’ll go out and sing in the sunshine. And next time it rains…well, I think I’ll give it a try…without my mascara, of course.
Now, I can’t get that tune out of my head, so I guess I better go run!
I clicked on Debbie Reynolds web site (and she was here at the American Music Theater in Lancaster) on March 15. Do you think she sang, “Singin’ in the Rain”?
But I love your song: “His eye is on the sparrow. . .” much better (thank you for that lovely reminder of God’s protective care (even when I fall down and scrape my knees!).
Hugs,
Connie
Carolyn,
How wonderful to hear from you.
Yes, make-up and I don’t get along (eyeliner on the lips and mascara running down the face); I’ve just about done it all! But Jesus loves me!
Have a joy-filled day!
Connie
Oh…It just what Jesus said….to get into the kingdom we have to come as little children…How His heart must rejoice with you as you revel in His rain…May we be able to revel that way when rain falls into our lives…and worship Him then, too….love ya….
Isn’t it great . . . being like little children?! When I was growing up my favorite activity was running through the sprinklers and now I run through God’s sprinkler.
One day I’ll have to tell you about the time I got caught in the car wash (that’s another post!).
Hugs,
Connie
BEing like a child is exactly what I thought of. Your post reminded me of playing in the rain as a child. We intentionally ran through the biggest puddles we could find. We also kicked water onone another and jumped to see who could make the biggest splash. What fun memories.
I don’t sing or run in the rain, but I do walk in it. I walk for exercise and still go out when it’s raining.
Connie, I love your spirit, and your reminder to play at midlife!
Dotsie,
April showers bring May flowers! Yeah!!!! I would love to walk in the sunshine or the rain with you (after the 10th) when I return from California–okay?
Yes, I’m afraid I’m destined to stay a “little” girl (I can’t seem to lose my wonder of “life”), and I don’t think that’s a bad thing! Right?!?!?!-:)
I’ll be there without my “galoshes”!!
Hugs,
Connie
You’ve got a “love-to-be-in-the-rain sister” in Trinidad and Tobago in the West Indies.
My neighbour calls me the “water lady” because I don’t sweep the driveway or other areas around my house. Yes, you guessed it. I hose it down. Then when that’s done I turn the hose on myself for a few minutes of wanton pleasure.
I wet my plants when it is raining. Just an excuse to revel in the showers from heaven. It is a time to rejoice and give thanks for the showers of blessings He bestows every day.
When I was still working my 9-5 I used to get those stares when on my way home, the rain would start. My shoes came off and I went a hoping and skipping.
Finding joy in simple things makes life worthwhile and I thank Him for the wonder and beauty of the rain.
God bless you ladies. Have a wonderful weekend.
Connie!
Now I know why I love you so much…you are an Oregonian at heart. I laughed at how people think you needed a ride because you were jogging in the run. In Oregon, EVERYTHING is done in the rain…it’s just part of the gig…you know what I mean? I remember a hike on a coastline trail that we had to “straddle” because the flow of water and mud was prevailing.
Yes, we really do get in the mood for rain around here. I think there’s a reason. It must be because the sunshine is all that more glorious when we get to see it!!
It means football games, wet Halloween costumes, and when my son was young…night-crawlers for fishing would be readily available for him to gather!
Seriously, there may be a reason Nike’s headquarters is here and why we may have more running and biking trails than any state in the union…It’s for the reason’s you state…the sheer pleasure of splashing in the pubbles. So…I’m ready, you come to Oregon and splash one! Love you! Judy Dippel
I have so many misspells in the previous post…ladies I hope you can read for content, so my post makes sense! Doesn’t pay to do this “on the run.” Please know, I do know how to spell…if nothing else, my misspells may give you a chuckle…like “pubbles,” for “puddles!” Visit me a http:www.celebratemoms.org/ byeeee…
That’s beautiful, Connie!
I wish I could “splash in the puddles or dance in the sprinkles—twirling around with my arms outstretched toward the heavens” with you! I’d sing Mercy Me’s “I can only imagine” at the top of my lungs!…That is if you will sing with me!
Dana
Cheryl,
You live in the West Indies (how awesome!!!!). I want to hear more. I love your comment! Just keep smilin’ back–pretty soon the “weird” stares will stop and then one day, you’ll find people watering their lawns in the rain, stomping in mud puddles, and singin’ in the rain. We could start a whole new movement of “Forest Gumps” across the globe. You’ll be my rain sister in the West Indies–okay?!?!?
Hugs to you my sister! Have a glorious day!
Connie
Judy,
My dear CelebrateMoms Sister in Oregon. By the way, I’m so proud of you girls and what you’re doing at http://www.celebratemoms.org.
I’m a California girl at heart, but Oregon sure comes in second. I remember going to Cannon Beach Oregon for the summer and family vacations up the coast–breathtakingly beautiful. It’s a mud-stomping playground for the “water” girl in me. If I lived there, I probably wouldn’t get anything else done except “singin’ in the rain.”
But if I had some company, like you my sister, we could really make a splash! What do you think?
Hugs to you–Judy. I will miss touring the country with all of you famous women (but you know I’m always there in spirit–cheering you on!). Shake ‘em up at those conferences–okay!
Congrats on the book (am I allowed to say the title yet?).
So great to hear from you, Judy!
Hugs from your splashin’ sister,
Connie
Dana,
My California Sister–I’ve missed you! I’m counting the days until my plane leaves. I’m bringing my flip-flops and “out of the bottle” tan, so I can wear “shorts”! Yeah!!!
That’s my favorite song, “I Can Only Imagine . . . ” Beautiful! Hey, can you do me a favor: Go get your glue gun and put the blossoms back on the trees–I want to see spring when I arrive in California–okay?
Hugs,
Connie