Tigers, Cowboys and Raindrops

It was the most awaited game of the season. Two Louisiana universities were to go head to head in an exciting game in Death Valley. We've had our tickets for months and were beyond excited (mostly to watch the band at halftime). We sweat our butts off for hours before getting comfortable in our amazing seats. I missed my own school's season opener (in which they whooped some Southern booty; go Dawgs!) We had the full experience of seeing the band before the game. We heard the cheers of thousands of Tiger fans. Tiger Stadium became the fifth largest city in Louisiana.

Everything changed in one minute as the players cleared the field and the announcer told us there was lightning in the vicinity. Oh joy. That means at least a thirty minute delay. So we waited for thirty minutes.

And we waited for an hour.

One hour became two hours.

Somewhere in the first two hours, it began it rain. Not just rain. There was a torrential downpour. In which I chose to dance.

That's right. I danced in the rain.

For another hour.

Three hours passed. Coaches and referees entered the field again. People got their hopes up. The game might start. But they left. And after half an hour again we heard "There has been a lightning strike in the area and we have to delay the game."

Fans are furious. The few that had stuck it out through nearly four hours of rain gave up. The remnants of resilient fans left Death Valley. In just four hours, the stadium was empty. But not for the reason a football stadium is usually empty. People went away upset. Cursing the sky with words that can't change anything.

But you know what? I wouldn't change a thing. Yes, it was hot. Then it was cold. Yes, we were disappointed. But that's okay.

Before this game started, I was told multiple times "It doesn't rain in Death Valley." Well, I'm here to tell you that it DOES rain in Death Valley. And when it rains, it pours.

God opened up the flood gates and reminded fans that He is in charge of the weather, not us. It was a beautiful rain. The kind of rain people pray for in a drought.

I'm so glad it rained. No, we didn't see more than five minutes of football. But that's okay. Because for probably the first time in my life, I danced in the rain God blessed us with. And I would do it again in a heartbeat.

We aren't in control of life. Things don't always go according to our plans. Sometimes we end up disappointed. But you must make a choice. Will you leave when things get bad, or will you learn to dance in the rain?