A loud clap of thunder. Rain starts to drizzle. I open the window, lean my head against the screen and take in a deep breath of summer air mixed with the smell of a Southern rain.

I instantly feel better.

I go through the house, opening all the windows and lighting all the candles, and settle back into my bed with my laptop.

I know I won’t be getting anything done on my to-do list because rainy days are for reflection.

Rainy days are days to reflect on your childhood—how much your parents taught you when you were younger—the same life lessons you try to instill into your children today.

Rainy days are days to reflect on your marriage—how much time together you have lost out on due to the day-to-day monotony and rituals, what your next couples get-away could be.

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Rainy days are days to reflect on your children—the last time you lost your temper with them, how you reacted, how you should have apologized and said, “I love you” a little more strongly.

Rainy days are days to reflect on your career—to not be ashamed of being a working mother, to ignore your feelings of usual guilt of not being home enough.

Rainy days are to reflect on your faith.

To realize He has brought you through some troublesome times. To realize He has always been faithful.

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Rainy days are days to slow down and to understand that I should be proud. Proud of who I have become, how far we have come together as a family, and the direction we are headed in the future.

Rainy days are good for reflection . . .

Rainy days are good for the soul.