Clean and Shiny World

I was awakened early this morning by the sound of thunder and rain and hail hitting my bedroom window.  It seemed that the spigot had been opened full blast and that any surplus "April showers" that hadn't fallen, decided to all come at once before the dawning of May 1st.  The first impression of my groggy mind was, "Great! It's going to be a gray and rainy day."
But when I got up and around and headed down to the Hickory for discipleship with one of my guys, the rain had stopped, the clouds had passed, and the sun was shining from a blue sky that looked like it had been washed clean and bright by last night's downpour.
It reminded me of the impact that repentance has on the heart of a believer.  When we do wrong and the Holy Spirit brings conviction, we often find ourselves troubled over sin, crying tears of remorse, and crying out to God for forgiveness.  The devil often convinces us that God is distant and uncaring.  But Paul assures us that when conviction brings about Godly sorrow and that sorrow brings about repentance, that the end result is forgiveness, restoration, and lasting joy. 
So, as "April showers bring May flowers," so godly sorrow that leads to repentance, brings color and life back to our walk with God.