Frank J. Buchman

Cowboy • Horseman • Writer

Rain Is In the Forecast

“There’s going to be a wet spell.”

When’s that going to be?

“Right after the dry spell.”

When’s that going to be?

“Nobody knows for sure, but it’s always rained sometime, if not sooner, then later.”

Well, there’s One who knows, but He’s not made it public.

Certainly, none of the reputable weathermen, not even the college and government climatologists, have been completely right in forecasting widespread rains.

Last week, there was a rain in the predictions, clouds in the sky, the smell of a shower in the air, and sprinkles on the windshield forced a minute or two of wiper-use. Then, just before the turnoff, a downpour cut loose, our heart skipped a beat, and subconsciously we thought: “The drought’s over.”

But, we turned south, saw dry pavement head, within a second the deluge stopped, and soon the sun shone brightly. That’s the way it’s been ever since record-early spring rains quit, and have not returned.

One thing about it, the situation is universal throughout the Midwest. The prairie is dried up as cattle wander to find a sprig. Ponds and creeks that haven’t been dry in decades are without water today.

Meadows are not tall enough to hay as the short grass becomes browner and crisper.

Everything seems to multiply while those who are trying to harvest some feed are reporting seemingly unimaginable problems, with fires at all-time highs. Likewise, stories about big baler  combustions are common news in every community.

While last year was dry, this one is obviously drier earlier. Old timers claim it’s headed to be the driest ever.

Our memory isn’t too good, but years we’ve heard compared to are ’88, perhaps ’67, ’50, and 1930 is noted as the most parched of all.

The good news: “There’s a wet spell ahead.” There always has been, and most likely there will be again.

Just when we’ll have to wait to find out. Next year could be just the opposite; 1951 was a record-wet year following the record-dry 1950.

Reminds us of Haggai 1:11: “He has called for a drought upon the land, upon what the ground brings forth, upon men and cattle.” Yet, most importantly Deuteronomy: “He will give the rain of the land in due season, the rain that will surely gather in thy crop.”
                                                            

+++ALLELUIA+++

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