The Message calls it parched land. Parched land that soaks up the rain. And I think of the Bible references to water, drinking of it and never going thirsty, being satisfied.
Some Christian song lyrics come to mind too, about blessings in raindrops/healing in tears, or Jesus bring the rain. Rain is a metaphor for hardship and trials.
Either meaning lends itself to this verse in Hebrews:
Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. Hebrews 6:7 (NIV)
I think of this year and my own trials, and I recall thanks for words that filled me during a slow season to nourish in the crunch–oh, my fountains are in You. And I recall the trial that assaulted daily, and the struggle against being choked bitter by weeds and thorns.
It was in the business of daily business–a bud arose from this ground. It makes me wonder, perhaps the production of a useful crop is the blessing of God? Perhaps.
Father, I’m thankful for these years studying your word, sitting with you in quiet times, learning more about you, your character, your love.
Courtney (66books365)
Sixty-six books in a year 
Courtney,
I understand the metaphor of a dry, parched land. I lived in Amarillo, Texas, for 33 years, and the summers can be brutally dry. The grass dies, the trees seem to shrink, and each day you just look to the sky for any whisp of a cloud for hope of rain. So I always thought of rain as a blessing – bring it on! Now that I live in Maryland, I am dancing in the rain often. However, so ironically, my life journey while living here has been dusty and near death emotionally. So I have learned that even the physical raindrops that patter on my umbrella have had a nourishing effect on my soul because I know the Giver of rain is pouring down His elements of healing to this land (I am the dust of this earth made woman).
What the both of you wrote complemented the truth so beautifully. Thanks for your words of encouragement.