If the sky wasn’t clear and the moon wasn’t shining brightly in the west, I’d probably tell you it’s raining.

I stepped outside this evening and there was a cool breeze dancing high in the treetops — palm tops, to be exact. Firm leaves shushing against each other could easily be mistaken for the sound of raindrops falling on a roof, a patio overhead or a car. It was calming, peaceful. Inside the house, I could almost imagine sprinkles giving way to a brief summer storm.

In keeping with the year thus far, today saw yet another significant expense make its way into my life. And at this point, I kind of give up. I’ve said it before: if it’s not one thing, it’s another. I know things sort themselves out in time with patience and continued attention given to them, but this year feels like I’ve been trying to climb a mountain. I start, get a good distance up, enjoy the view briefly, then slide down again. Lather, rinse, repeat. My hands are a little scraped up and my knees are bloody, but they’ll heal. I will press on.

Despite the burdens of life, the moon, the sound of imaginary rain and the palms reminded me of three things.

One, we’re always being watched over, even if our path and bumps in the road aren’t as clear as the night sky.

Two, rain renews. It may not be time for it to come just yet, but it will. It always does. Patience.

Three, the palm is a long-standing symbol of, among other things, peace and plenty. I would like to know the latter — primarily in the sense of having my bills take a hike, but the former was a gift from the evening to me tonight. And in reality, we do have plenty. All of us. It’s just easy to forget sometimes.

For peace and plenty, rain and shine, the moon and its watchful gaze, I am thankful. I am reminded to breathe in and out, focus on the light at the end of the tunnel and to be at peace in the meantime.

Peace to you, as well.