Maybe it hasn’t rained every day this summer, but it sure feels like it. I’ve heard countless people grumbling about the weather these last few weeks and I’ll admit that there have been times I’ve been one of them. Especially after my golf league got rained out for the third week in a row.

But in general, I’m thankful every time it rains. All that precipitation is, after all, why our corner of the world is so lush and green. In fact, water is without a doubt one of our most valuable natural resources. We’re blessed with an abundant supply of water and regular precipitation, not to mention plenty of lakes, ponds, rivers and streams.

So much so, that we’re a bit spoiled. Most of us don’t know what it’s like not to have fresh, clean water to drink. We don’t need have to water our lawns for the most part, and most farmers don’t need to worry about irrigating their fields. Struck by a sudden urge to go fishing? You’re spoiled for choice.