When the rain comes and the sun filters through the clouds, an amazing thing happens…a rainbow.For years, I have been trying to capture the perfect rainbow on film. Yesterday while driving home, it happened…sun, clouds, rain, and a magnificent rainbow formed. I swerved off the side of the road and clogged my way into the corn field, only to realize, I didn’t have my camera. Duh!
Was I disappointed? Just a little, but I do what I always do under such circumstances, I pull on my right earlobe and take a mental shot. I stood knee-deep in mud and relished the fact that in the midst of yucky conditions, I was enjoying the view!
And then I realized that’s what life is made of, a series of events called “rainbows.” But it takes a concoction of special ingredients to create the rainbow effect: sun and rain. The bittersweet combination makes for a kaleidoscope of color—not just one but seven colors to be exact. Seven is the “perfect” number. And not to get too personal, but my husband’s bruises are also made up of the seven colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
The last twelve days have been quite a journey and I’m so thankful for the bittersweet moments that have made up our “rainbow”: neighbors bringing in meals, my sons pitching in to mow the lawn, to give Mark a shower, to do the laundry, and carry in groceries. And now a neighbor is landscaping our front yard so Mark has a beautiful view out the living room window. Cards and phone calls pour in daily to keep Mark’s spirits high, and the non-stop bouquet of plants, flowers, and fruit baskets fill every room in the house.
This morning it rained again and the sun filtered through the clouds—perfect conditions for a rainbow to form. I grabbed my camera and went chasing after the rainbow, but there was none to be found. Funny how that happens, when we go chasing for rainbows…they disappear.
And then I realized, I already had my rainbow…it was right outside my door! A picture of my son mowing the lawn in the rain.
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rainbows, caregiving, blessings, hip fracture
6 comments:
Isn't funny how you ran into the mud to see the rainbow? I think of life that way. There is beauty and mud all around us all the time but it is up to us to focus on the beauty. I know it sometimes drives people around me crazy that I do it but that's just the way I am.
Last week after a really bad storm, we lost power for several hours. 6 to be exact. My family was upset because they wanted to watch something on TV. I went outside and listened to the frogs croaking, thankful for the rain. Life is what you make it. I just keep watching for those rainbows just like you. They are all around us if you know where to look.
Greg,
You're a true optimist...seeing the good in everything. I wish I could see that with gas prices (smile!). I love to watch people's reations when they pull up to the pump (hilarious!). Before Mark's accident, he was talking about getting a motorcycle to ride to work (yikes!); I'm sure glad that didn't work out!
Last time we lost power, I wanted to roast marshmallows by candlelight. I had a great time making s'mores.
Keep looking on the "bright" side!
What great insight Connie, sun and rain... brings us a picture of God's eternal promise...
Love you much.
Please pray too for the Chapman family. (see my blog entry today)
I don't think any of us welcomes trials (at least I don't), but certainly being able to see the sun through the rain makes the "rainbow" that much sweeter.
I'm off to read your blog about the Chapman family...
Connie- I was totally lost at the beginning of this post, so I had to go back to the one where your husband had his accident. I am so greatful he is going to be okay! May the Lord give you all patience, grace and endurance for the recovery ahead.
Colleen,
I can see how you were confused (I need to link my posts). Anyway, this is day fourteen since the accident, and while my "patient" is resting, I am doing some writing. I sat in my "outside" chair (see today's post - May 25), and it was just what the doctor ordered!
HUGS!
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