Rain or Shine: Showing Up Matters

There’s an unspoken acknowledgment around here: life doesn’t pause just because the weather isn’t ideal. With the rainy weekend we had recently, it certainly proved true.

A few weekends ago, the boys headed out for a Boy Scout trip to a horse rescue ranch. It was cold. It was muddy. It rained the ENTIRE weekend. But the Scouts didn't cancel — they just pulled on ponchos and kept going to accomplish the good service that they set out to do. After all, the chores at the horse rescue needed to happen regardless of whether the scouts showed up to help or not. 

Meanwhile, back at home, I was living a dream I almost forgot existed:
a quiet house, a clean kitchen that stayed clean, the glorious freedom to binge-watch that 6-year-old show that no one else wants to watch. And to enjoy it all without interruptions every 12 minutes. It was bliss. Holy, quiet, candle-lit bliss. 

Well… almost.
Because as luxurious as it was to have a quiet house and a “just me” weekend, the farm didn’t get the memo. The animals didn’t care that I had settled in under a blanket and wanted nothing to do with the cold rain. They didn’t pause just because I was cozy. So I pulled on the Carhartt. Slid into the XTRATUF boots. And trudged out into the chilly rain to feed the goat, sheep, horses, and whoever else on this property expects dinner. And as I stood there — soaked to the bone, muddy pant-hems, hay sticking to me like confetti — I thought: Farm life is beautiful. Sacred, even. But it is also work, sacrifice, and commitment… rain or shine. The very things we love most can also demand the most of us. Isn't our faith like that, too?

We love Jesus. We love the peace He gives, the comfort, the purpose.
But growing a spiritual life takes showing up daily — even when we’re tired, moody, busy, overwhelmed, or would rather curl up with a blanket and hot tea to binge Netflix. 

Scripture reminds us that Jesus modeled this same rhythm and commitment:
“Very early in the morning… Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” — Mark 1:35

Jesus sought quiet time with the Father — on purpose. Not when it was convenient… but as a discipline.

And David, a man after God's own heart, writes:
“O God, you are my God; early will I seek You…” — Psalm 63:1

Early/first. Intentionally. Faithfully.

Because just like feeding livestock or being a caretaker for other humans and our homes…
You don’t get to skip the daily work and expect strength to grow anyway.
Faith grows when we feed it. Peace grows when we pursue it. Our souls flourish when we show up — rain or shine, in every season. Even when life is muddy. Even when we’d rather hit snooze. Even when it feels easier to “do it later.”
Spiritual discipline, like farm life, rarely feels glamorous, but the fruit — it's so worth it.
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest…” — Galatians 6:9

Some days are candle-and-quiet days. Some days are mud-on-your-boots days.
Some days are both….
But every day is a blessing with an open invitation to show up and spend time with Him.

Where in your life do you need a “rain or shine” mindset with the Lord?
Is it morning prayer? Bible reading? Time in worship? Stillness?

Pick one — and show up for it daily this week. 

Lord, help me show up — not just when it’s easy or quiet, but when life is messy, loud, busy, or tiring. Give me a heart that seeks You daily and a spirit willing to grow through non-glamorous, everyday discipline. Thank you for meeting me in every season — rain or shine. Amen.

Until next time, keep following the Plott, and I will be praying for us all. 💛🐑🌦️

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