I think it's gonna rain today . . .

Bright before me the signs implore me:

Help the needy and show them the way.

Human kindness is overflowing,

and I think it's gonna rain today.

~I think it's gonna rain today (from the movie Beaches)


Don't know why this song is on my mind this morning. It's from one of my favorite movies. I was thinking about it and trying to figure out why it's one of my favorites. Part of it, I'm sure, is because it's from a time in my life I'm sometimes nostalgic for. Not that I want to go back, but I really enjoyed that stage. I was just out of college, working at a job I loved, in a relationship with a man I loved (and later married). I was tethered but not tied down with responsibilities. Some days I think back to those times and wish I could just spend one day there, for a break. Don't get me wrong, I love this life, but some days the constant responsiblities, needs, decisions, etc. get to be more than I care to have at the moment.

I also saw this movie with Kim, a good friend from college. She and I always had Easter and summer vacations together in those years after college. Since then, she has lived on Guam and is now back in Arizona. It's harder to make/find time to get together and our lives have gone in somewhat different directions. We're still close in a different way. This movie brings back wonderful memories of our friendship and times spent together. I have some great vacation stories from trips Kim and I took -- I'll save those for another time.

Another reason I think this song is echoing in my brain is because I worked with the youth yesterday to make supper for the homeless shelter. I'd like to think that human kindness is overflowing, and I hope I do my part to make sure it is, but I'm not sure everyone feels that to be true. It's always eye-opening to spend time at the shelter, and I admire those who do it on a regular basis. It reminds us to be thankful for the blessings in our lives, big and small. Things we often take for granted.