Several decades ago I went to have some dental work done and the dentist gave me Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) for my first and only time. My wife, Barb, was to pick me up but was a little late. As I walked out of the office, I found it was raining so I stood in the rain whistling as I waited. It reminded me of Gene Kelly in Singin’ in the Rain as he kissed his girl under cover in front of her residence and danced and sang as he strolled down the street in just his business suit and for the most part not using his umbrella (eventually he gave the umbrella away – www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmCpOKtN8ME).
You may be starting to see where this is leading concerning the title. Gene Kelly was so enchanted with his girlfriend that he could face an obstacle like the bad weather as though he had no cares in the world. In our everyday life we all also face obstacles, whether it is politics and court decisions that distress you, terrorism, financial problems, health problems or losing loved ones. I’m sure you can generously add to this list. What I want to do is no matter which of these cares I have, I still want to be Singin’ in the Rain.
Why shouldn’t I rejoice in the Lord each day for the life He has given me? I grew up in a good family, have not faced many health problems or much adversity, have a wonderful wife and three great boys. I’ve only held jobs with two companies during my working years and I have always had my needs met. So, what are the ingredients to sing through life? To name a few: strengthen my spiritual life, continue to eat better and get that treadmill going to make my body feel better and to love people more.
Recognizing the above, I think it has at least gotten me off to a tiny start. I recently spent four hours having two lunches with a 93 year old World War II veteran discussing his life. Through our discussions and laughs we both agreed at the end of the lunches that our spirits had been raised.
What impact has this had on me so far? Earlier in the week, I took a walk to the pond in our neighborhood to feed the fish. As I left the house, the sky looked pretty threatening. However it didn’t stop me. All I could think of was getting caught in the downpour and turning around in circles while I walked home with my arms spread out, looking up at the sky and whistling Singin’ in the Rain!
As the hymn writer, Eliza Hewitt, wrote: “There is sunshine in my soul today.”
Jeff Hall, of Honey Brook, contributes columns to Tri County Record.
