Thunderstorms seem to kick up just after lunch time, so I thought I should get my errands run as soon as I got 3 of the 4 kids to their designated schools. At 8:15am, my 3yr old and I were on a mission and out the door. The skies to the east looked crystal blue but to the west, dark clouds already blanketed the sky. Our first stop was to the recycle bins at the elementary school. My closet got a much needed cleaning!!
As I drove eastward to the school, I was smiling, happy that we had such clear skies above. Grocery shopping, and you add in a 3yr old, is horrible in the rain! I felt the blessing of provision-clear skies, beautiful white puffy clouds and sun shining bright enough to already need sunglasses. This was good. It is good to remember, storms don't stay for long! This too shall pass!
As we circled around the back of the school, my car turned westward facing once we arrived at the recycle dumpsters. I stepped out of my car and it was as if I had stepped into another world. As I stood looking westward, the skies were completely grey. Dark skies were creeping closer and closer over me. "Man, what a bummer!" I mumbled under my breathe. I was so hopeful and excited just 30 seconds before!! Just as the words came off my lips, I removed my sunglasses and caught a glimpse of something...it was the beginnings of a rainbow! Wow! Within seconds, the colors deepened, almost as if God was outlining each distinct color for me to see their order. It was almost like God was saying, "Well, I bet I can make you smile."
Instantly, my mind is captivated by this amazing, tiny edge of a rainbow. I watched for the rest of it to fill out but it never seemed to expand out. I was no longer concerned with the looming storms that were sure to burst out over me at any moment, storms that were about to mess up my entire morning's schedule. Although I had been waiting for days to get these errands done, having experienced this bizarre change of scenery was worth another day of waiting. We took in the sights and yes, we were smiling!
My son and I finished dropping of the papers and magazines. Even 5 minutes later, the rain was still being held back, so, off to the store we went, hoping that we would continue under these skies. It didn't look likely, but we were willing to chance it! Turning left onto the main drive to the store, which happened to be eastward, my 3yr old son says, "Mom? Where's the rainbow?" To my amazement, it was not there. We were looking towards the clear, blue skies! This was bizarre. Just a minute ago we were facing darkness and now were faced the light...surely just driving around to the other end of the school, we could see the rainbow?! Nope! It was gone!
There is something beautiful and comforting in the beauty of light. Birds are chirpping, animals out playing, puffy clouds blanket the sky and the crystal blue color is a brilliant backdrop to His creation. You really get a sence of depth and heigth as you study the varying levels of clouds. And yet, there is something equally intimidating and beautiful in the darkness. The deep rich colors of the skies, displaying the magnitude of heaviness. And yet, the tiniest burst of color in a rainbow can change the entire scene. It is a sign of hope, a distraction off of the storm and a focus onto something amazing and captivating. You cannot help but focus on it as it displays it's brilliance against the darkness.
Like a Parent distracting their child's attention away from their boo-boo, God does this for us too. When we look into a dark season in our life, He gives us a rainbow, a reminder of the coming hope. (Romans 8:28) It may be tiny or full out, reaching as far as the eye can see. It may be literally a rainbow in the sky or it may also come in the form of a blessing. He may bless you physically, emotionally and always spiritually. It may come directly to you in a moment, a prayer, a dream. It may come to you through a brother or sister in Christ. God can use any means to get our attention...question is...are we listening? Are we looking for Him?
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
I Thess 5:16-18
"You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey Your words. I have sought Your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to Your promise." Psalm 119:57-58
"You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in Your word. Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God! Sustain me according to Your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed." Psalms 119:114-116
Father God, Creator of ALL things, help me to see You in the every circumstance. Whether a season of happiness or a season of hardache, God give me a rainbow to reminder me You are near. Distract me from the only seeing the darkness of my storm. Holy Spirit, shine Your light and lead my steps. Display Your majesty. Remind me of Your promises so I can stand strong. God, You are my refuge and my strength, my rock in which I stand on. I will not fear what seems possible, but I will trust what I know to be true! Thank You Jesus, amen!
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