A few days ago, I was lucky enough to drive up from Seattle to Mount Rainier. When we left, it looked like it was going to be the only sunny day we had all trip, so we wanted to take advantage of it and get a close up view of the oft hidden peak. As someone who traditionally adores the sun, and will do anything possible to avoid getting wet in the rain, the chance to get out in the uncharacteristically pleasant weather was too much to pass up.

Yet as we drove the two hours to the mountain gray, billowy clouds overtook the once sparkling sun and by the time we stepped out of our rental car to go for a short hike, it had begun to rain, and further up the mountain we even encountered snow. But for some reason, weather which would usually keep me inside seemed to be making the woods through which we walked even more enjoyable. Instead of seeing the rain as something to be avoided before returning to the safety of indoors, the drizzle became an extra sensory experience.

Sometimes in life, it can be easy to see anything challenging as bad, and when we don't like something to wish it away. If we can come to view these aspects of existence with appreciation instead of contempt, life becomes a lot more enjoyable. Although this is not always easy, even reaching this point every so often offers more perspective than one might think.

Even though the next time it rains, I may very well sprint from my school to my car, I still look forward to that next walk where I can simply be at peace and have a nice walk in the rain.

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Photo is of Tahoma Creek, near the end of our walk. I navigated across the logs reaching the middle of the creek before walking back through the mossy forest to the car.

The weather seems to have been especially strange this winter many places in the US. What's the weather been like for you recently?