Life isn’t how you survive the thunderstorm, but how you dance in the rain.

Adam Young

Thursday was a stormy day. The turbulent front that moved through early afternoon not only dropped a good amount of rain but lowered the temperature thirty-plus degrees in short order.

The sky was a captivating mix of dark and more dark. Clearly defined, threatening and – in its own way – beautiful.

Here I am driving NC 42 to take Max in for his beauty treatment haircut appointment. Getting a dog groomed is pretty much an open invitation for conditions guaranteed to dishevel his appearance.

Max always obliges via pushing through wet bushes, sitting in puddles and dipping his paws in the mud as soon as possible. So I always take a “before” photograph featuring his temporary “pristine” look because of course it never lasts.

Contrary to what he will pretend in the moment, Max really enjoys his opportunity for an afternoon of pampering and indulgence. He is always a little bit proud, a little bit embarrassed and a lot pleased with himself for being the dog everyone wants to make a fuss of when he gets groomed.

Regardless of the storms, the sudden temperature shifts, January’s snows or July’s searing heat, this post’s featured quote sums up my intentions for whatever this coming season of life may bring. Dance in the rain, play in the snow, garden in the springtime, find a tall glass of lemonade and a swimming pool in the summer.

In other words, “live.” Live with intention and with conviction and with purpose and with joy. We may have no control regarding when the next storm will come, but we do have the capacity to choose how we respond – and to dance regardless.

– DEREK