“A Letter to God” by Gregorio López y Fuentes is a heart-touching story that revolves around Lencho, a poor but hardworking farmer who places immense faith in God. One of the most striking moments in the story occurs when Lencho describes the falling raindrops as “new coins.” This unique comparison holds deep symbolic meaning and reflects Lencho’s perception of nature, wealth, and survival. But why did Lencho say the raindrops were like new coins? Let’s explore the reasons behind this powerful metaphor.
1. Raindrops as a Symbol of Wealth
For Lencho, the rain was not just a weather phenomenon; it represented prosperity and wealth. Being a farmer, his entire livelihood depended on the success of his crops. The rain was essential for the growth of his corn and bean plants. Without it, the crops would fail, leading to hunger and poverty.
When the rain finally arrived, Lencho saw it as a blessing from God. The large raindrops were like “ten-cent pieces,” and the small ones resembled “five-cent pieces.” This comparison shows that Lencho equated the rain with money because a good harvest would yield profits similar to receiving coins. Essentially, rain meant food on the table, financial security, and survival for Lencho and his family.
2. Hope for a Prosperous Future
Lencho’s comparison of raindrops to coins also reflected his hope and optimism. After months of hard work on the fields, the arrival of rain signified that his efforts would finally pay off. Just like how new coins promise wealth and new opportunities, the raindrops promised a bountiful harvest that would bring prosperity.
In Lencho’s mind, each raindrop translated to future earnings. A successful crop season would allow him to sell his produce in the market and earn enough to support his family. Thus, he viewed the rain as an investment that would yield rich returns—just like acquiring shiny new coins.
3. Rain as a Gift from God
Lencho was a deeply religious man who believed that God looked after honest and hardworking people. To him, the rain was a direct gift from God, sent to reward his toil. Just as coins are valuable possessions, rain was invaluable to Lencho because it secured his family’s future.
By calling the raindrops “new coins,” Lencho expressed his gratitude toward God. In his eyes, God was enriching him by sending rain. The freshness of the raindrops, much like newly minted coins, represented purity, hope, and divine blessing.
4. The Farmer’s Perspective on Wealth
Lencho’s description also highlights the simple yet profound perspective of a farmer. For someone like Lencho, wealth did not mean gold or riches; it meant a good harvest. His wealth lay in nature—in healthy crops, timely rains, and fertile soil.
Unlike city dwellers who might associate wealth with currency and luxury, Lencho’s world revolved around his fields. Raindrops were as good as coins because they directly influenced his earnings. The rain guaranteed that the crops would grow, be harvested, and eventually converted into money.
5. Irony in Lencho’s Words
There is also a layer of irony in Lencho’s comparison. While he initially saw the rain as “new coins,” the weather soon took a devastating turn. The rain transformed into a hailstorm, destroying all his crops. The very drops he had compared to wealth ended up bringing ruin and despair.
This shift from hope to hopelessness adds depth to Lencho’s character. However, even after such devastation, Lencho’s faith in God remained unshaken, which forms the emotional core of the story.
6. The Broader Message of the Story
Lencho’s words reveal a larger theme that “A Letter to God” conveys—the relationship between humans, nature, and faith. For a farmer like Lencho, nature’s blessings are directly linked to survival. His comparison of raindrops to coins shows how deeply his life and livelihood are tied to the forces of nature. The story emphasizes that, for some, a simple rainfall holds more value than any material wealth.
Conclusion
Lencho’s description of the raindrops as “new coins” beautifully captures his hope, gratitude, and dependence on nature. It shows how, for a farmer, rain represents not just water but life, prosperity, and financial security. The metaphor highlights Lencho’s faith in divine providence and his optimistic belief that hard work, when blessed by nature, would bring rewards.
However, the twist in the story—when the rain turns to hail—adds a layer of irony, showing how unpredictable life can be. Still, Lencho’s unshakable faith in God reminds readers of the power of belief and the human ability to hope even in the face of adversity.
Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.
