Barefoot in the Rain-by Heidi McLaughlin
Posted: March 10, 2025
Freedom for me is walking in the rain. I was six years old, and still living in Germany when sauntering home from school I had a grand idea. After a huge downpour of rain I thought it would be fun to walk in the rain filled ditches. It was exhilarating. I still remember the joy of the warm water swirling around my legs and the splashing and jumping. I made one huge mistake. I kept my shoes on and was punished when I got home.
These days while living in Kelowna, British Columbia, in a semi-arid landscape, rain is quite rare. So when it comes I pull out my umbrella and walk in the sweetness of the rain. Oh the sounds and the pure smell of rain is so refreshing and joyful.
The sounds and smells of rain is so refreshing.
This past February and part of March I was in Colombia, South America with Margaret Gibb and Ruth Coghill as part of the Women Together team on a 4 city speaking tour. The first week we had a free day in Bogota and Ruth and I decided to walk over to the shopping centre to get in some steps and shopping. When we came out of the shopping centre there was downpour. I’m talking the doors of Heaven opened up and the streets and sidewalks were flooded. Rushing back into the shopping centre we found a Dollar Store, bought umbrellas and started our trek back home. I was wearing my best leather walking shoes and was not about to ruin them. So I took them off. Barefoot I walked home in the rain. It was glorious! The warmth of the tropical water, the swirl of water around my ankles and the splashing and joy of every step. The Colombian people openly stared at this crazy white woman without shoes, and Ruth and I laughed all the way home.
We laughed all the way home.
When was the last time you gave yourself the freedom of being a child? Not caring what other people thought and just danced in the rain, or in your home? Setting aside the chaos and demands of the day to just be and enjoy life? And laugh. My friends, it is good for the soul. Even the Bible tells us: “A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Psalm 17:22). Laughter re-energizes, it breaks down walls, releases good body chemicals and ignites joy.
Here in North America winter is almost over and spring rains are on their way. May I encourage you to enjoy some new and fresh adventure and walk in the rain. Let it splash on your face, refresh your mind and give you joy. And maybe….just maybe you’ll take off your shoes.
One response to “Barefoot in the Rain-by Heidi McLaughlin”
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Such a sweet memory, my friend.
Let’s do it again!