Summer rains *sigh...* or maybe not.

I've made a commitment to myself and to God that I'll try to find the positives in any situation, a reason to praise and thank Him, regardless of strife.

So summers here have been stretching me to find reasons to praise. They start early, finish late, and in between, it's blazing hot, humid, and mosquitoes apparently love my sweet nature just as my Sohl-mate does. Right now, there's plenty of rain, but no heat lighting shows, and the indoor activities I don't personally plan about which I know are extremely limited.

But I'll find a reason to thank, a reason to praise for each of my complaints because I've made that commitment to Him and to myself. Thank you God that the length of the summer allows me plenty of time to test out the waterparks, the beach, the amusement parks, and still enjoy a nice time in my own backyard. Thank you that the heat and humidity help me appreciate the cooler months all the more. And, thank you that the mosquitoes give me a great excuse to put off that weeding project one more day. Thank you for the rain that saves me from having to artificially water my lawn, and for the lack of lightning that means that my Sohl son can rest peacefully at night without an encore or two. Last, but not least, thank you for the need for me to create my own special activities which they themselves create special memories that I'm sure I'll treasure forever.

So, when it rains on my hot summer day, or any other day, I'm looking for reasons to thank God.