Much needed rain

I'm glad it is raining today. We needed it and it gives me a reason to get some things done inside. It sounds as if some areas might get as much as 3-4 inches which is way too much at once. That's the way it is around here. The sky opens up and rains as if we haven't seen any in months. 3-4 inches of rain will simply run off. Not the best kind of rain for gardens. Would it be too much to ask for a rainy day where the rain falls all day soft and slow?