Glory in Suffering.

I wielded my umbrella like a weapon today, but I was definitely on the losing side. "I'LL FIND JOY IN MY SUFFERINGS!" we yelled, splashing through the deep puddles and streams that littered Sproul Plaza. Everybody around us, with their green, black, polka-dotted umbrellas and rain boots were probably staring at us, but we didn't sense them. They were melancholy in this terrible weather, we were not. My cheeks and chin stung from the freezing wind. The rain came in slanting sheets, pulling my brilliantly red umbrella in every direction I didn't want it to go. Our ridiculous laughter hung through the wet air.
We separated. I walked toward Tolman, toward the apartment. My feet made little impact upon the flowing rivers engulfing the concrete. As I rounded the corner of the large, bulging concrete of the Psych building, a scene of red and black vehicles and flashing lights greeted me. I stared, wide eyed. Keep moving, don't stop and stare. The black boots on her feet protruded beneath the brown jacket they had lain over her to keep out the rain and wind. There was a thick, dark branch laying across the sidewalk and I had to gingerly step over it as I passed. Her muffled voice came from beneath the jacket. The man leaning over her had his hand placed gingerly on her side in a gesture of comfort. The muscles of my neck strained as I glanced back repeatedly. No blood. She must be okay. No ambulance, another good sign. I minded my own business and my legs continued to carry me to the stop light, though I continued to glance over my shoulder. I was consumed by the innate human need to know what was going on. I wanted the story. I pushed my way up Arch Street as the sound of sirens filled my ears and my wet pants stuck to my calves.
I was returning home from bible study. We studied Romans 5, a few lines of which state, "we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." My friend and I suffered the terrible weather with joy, yet that poor woman was hit by a wayward tree branch. I wonder if she found glory in that. I have to say, I smiled inwardly because so many people at least stopped to help her, and her voice had sounded slightly cheerful. God was watching. There is hope in humanity and hope does not put us to shame.
The pale, jade green of the legs of my pants were a dark shade of forest by the time I fell breathlessly into the door of my apartment. My shoes felt like sponges- disgusting, smelly sponges. I gave up avoiding puddles about five minutes into the downpour. My roommate had said, "You look... tired," as I passed her on the balcony on my way to the door. Ha, thanks.

Again, please ignore the videos and just pay attention to the music. (Okay watch the carrot flowers one because it's pretty funny :)

Red Umbrella by Forest Sun <- link because I couldn't find a good video version on Youtube.