By JACK GODBEY

Guest columnist

I am not telling you anything new by saying that people are a bit strange. One of my favorite activities is people watching. Anywhere I go, I am easily entertained by watching the coming and going of people.

Over the years, I have observed so many strange and sometimes humorous things that people do. However, one thing that has always baffled me is the way that people react to the rain. One sure fire way to get a chuckle is to watch people react to the rain. Normally, people always seem to be in such a hurry that we cannot stop to greet someone or to hold the door for an elderly person. However, when it rains all bets are off and people actually go to extreme lengths to prevent the rain from touching their bodies. I have seen people at the grocery store actually stand for 10 to 15 minutes waiting for the rain to stop. They cannot get wet under any circumstances. Those that are not patient enough to stop will brave the weather and will try to cover their heads with anything within reach while they make their brave exploration to their car. Of course, no one has an umbrella when they actually need one. It almost seems to me that they are stuck in an episode of a horror movie and the rain is some kind of poison and cannot touch their bodies under any circumstances. I have observed people that appear to have not seen the inside of a gym in decades break out in a run so fast that they would easily qualify for the Olympics, or avoid a puddle with footwork fancier than if they were dancing the River Dance on Broadway just to avoid a few raindrops.

I suppose that I am a bit odd in that — I have always enjoyed a rainy day. The clouds come out and block the hot sun for a few precious moments. It is amusing to me to hear people talk when it is raining outside as well. It is as if they go into depression. “How are you”? I will ask. I normally get an answer back like “As good as can be expected on this horrible day”. In the meantime, I am happy and upbeat because I can feel the rain on my face. Rain is a wonderful thing. It allows our gardens to grow, washes the Earth and makes it new again. The flowers and plants smile ear to ear after a rain, while most of us humans will act as if Armageddon is upon us when it rains. What is the worst that can happen if rain touches our face? Why not be thankful to our creator for the rain, as water is the essence of life.

I have heard people actually curse the TV Weatherman when he makes his prediction for up-coming rain. It is as if they think he can actually control the weather. Talk about shooting the messenger! Those that do not like the forecast should just be patient. It will most likely not be accurate anyway.

Jack Godbey is a resident of Danville and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Physical Science. He is a published author and Historian.