Last week my friend J. and I got together on a rainy afternoon.  As someone who loves summer, I have an affinity for hot, sunny days.  But driving to meet her that day, the rain felt like a relief.  It was nice not to have to wear sunglasses, or lower the sun visor, or strain my eyes.  In the rain it’s as though the whole horizon line is one beat lower: it’s easier to focus in on the page of a book or the curves of the road.  We can wander around in our own minds for a little while.

J. and I talked about the way rain carries mystery.  I’ve driven that same route hundreds of times, but driving in the rain that day I felt like I was exploring new ground.  Untethered from my usual thoughts and worries, and moving forward into a welcome unknown.