Blessing in Disguise

I love the smell of an after-rain. :)

If you're like me and is curious to know how that smell is produced, here's an answer from HowStuffWorks:

"As it turns out, the smells people associate with rainstorms can be caused by a number of things. One of the more pleasant rain smells, the one we often notice in the woods, is actually caused by bacteria! Actinomycetes, a type of filamentous bacteria, grow in soil when conditions are damp and warm. When the soil dries out, the bacteria produces spores in the soil. The wetness and force of rainfall kick these tiny spores up into the air where moisture after a rain acts as an aerosol (just like an aerosol air freshener). The moist air easily carries the spores to us so we breathe them in. These spores have a distinctive, earthy smell we often associate with the rainfall. The bacteria is extremely common and can be found in areas all over the world, which accounts for the universality of this sweet "after-the-rain" smell. Since the bacteria thrives in moist soil but releases the spores once the soil dries out, the smell is most acute after a rain that follows a dry spell, although you'll notice it to some degree after most rainstorms."

The wetness. and force. of rainfall kick! these tiny spores up into the air.

How apt. Just like how we need to be kicked hard and cold so that we can bounce right up and high.

The smell is most acute after a rain that follows a dry spell.

And how we shall bounce most high after a long period of drought, of lacking, nothingness. senselessness.

"What if Your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears

What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near

What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise"

- Blessings, Laura Story