The rain was cool, clean, and refreshing. The storm hammered down on the little orphanage without warning. I took cover on some concrete benches under a metal awning in the courtyard.

As soon as I looked up, I spotted him standing in the pouring rain – a child who had been been through a lot before he arrived at Casa Hogar.. His story troubled me and my heart ached for him.  How could any child survive what he had endured? 

And then he did a strange thing. He laughed, he twirled, he jumped and sang. He danced in the rain; it was joyful, exuberant, and unashamed dancing.  How in the world? Why?

I wasn’t dancing in the rain. I was sitting there and protecting myself, not wanting to get my hair, clothes and shoes wet.  The rain looked cold and uncomfortable. Plus, I had anxiety about things at home weighing me down.  The last thing I felt like doing was dancing in the rain.

But he had let his comfort and anxiety go in exchange for joy.  My only answer to the how and why is Jesus.  He is the author of joy and gives it freely to those who will embrace it. Mama Lupita had welcomed this precious child into Casa Hogar Elim and she had made sure he knew to whom he belonged. He exemplified simple childlike  joy. What a lesson and gift he was to me that day!

The next time it rains, I’m hoping I can dance. Maybe I’ll even throw my hands into the air and twirl and sing. Thanks for the lesson in letting go, my joyful Casa Hogar friend.

Luke 10:21

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.”