By Amanda Hill

Picture this—it’s an early summer afternoon and you had planned to go to the pool with some friends. The forecast says there’s a slight chance of rain, but you get ready for a sunny day outdoors anyway. Suddenly, you hear the rumble of thunder and big, fat drops start to fall from the sky. Instant disappointment sets in.

If you start singing “Rain, rain, go away! Come again some other day…,” you probably didn’t grow up on a farm.

Sometimes I catch myself wishing away the rain, but then I stop. You see, working with farmers gives you a new perspective on a soggy day. I grew up in the city, where rain meant spoiled plans—or at least a change in plans. But for farmers, a rain shower almost always brings smiles to their faces.

The next time it starts to sprinkle, think of rain from a farmer’s perspective…

Rain slows traffic during your morning commute, but it also transports important nutrients through plants for nourishment.

Rain makes a soggy mess of your yard, but a wet field brings hope of a successful harvest.

Rain may drench your clothes as you rush indoors, but livestock welcome a good soaking to fill the tanks that quench their thirst.

Rain can leave you hungry for the outdoors, but it ensures our fruits, vegetables and grains can grow to their fullest potential.

Whenever I’m disappointed by a summer rain, I remind myself that those showers give life to crops nearby. Farmers depend on the rain to water their fields, so that crops can grow and we can eat our fill.

So, if it comes down to an afternoon indoors or not enough food, I’ll sing “Rain, rain, won’t you stay? And come again another day!”