earth right after rain

I am loving the sunshine today, but I actually really enjoyed the rainy days last week as well. We were able to put Baby G's raincoat and boots to good use, and I brought the camera out with us in case there were any photo-worthy moments. As I have looked (and looked and looked) through those rainy day photos I have had a song running through my head. "When I am Baptized" is my favorite primary song, and one of my favorite religious songs in general. The melody is simple and beautiful, and the words speak to me.

There is a quality in these photos that has caused me to ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again and the symbolism in rain and baptism. I have thought about the absolute joy that playing in the rain puddles brought to my little boy. It is the kind of joy that can only be felt when you are free from the weight of mistakes and transgression. It is the kind of joy that God wants us to feel. Untarnished by the burden of guilt or sorrow, without regret of choices--big or little-- that have offended our spirits . I look at these pictures and feel so motivated to be a more pure and lovely version of myself. To let go of things that hold me back and to give up things that can keep me from the constant blessing of His spirit. The gloriousness (not a word?) of these thoughts lies in this sentence of the song: ...and I can be forgiven and improve myself each day. While there is such beauty in the "earth made clean again," how much more beautiful is the soul that is made new, clean, and fresh daily by honest repentance and forgiveness? I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain. I want to be the best I can... I feel renewed today. Renewed to make my life more holy, to make my spirit brighter, to have days filled with the same pure joy as my little, perfect boy.