Aug. 7, 2009 The Journey Continues ...
Driving on a mountain road to a vacation spot recently, Sally, the boys and I encountered a massive rain storm. The clouds were pitch black, the wind swirled violently and a disturbing mix of rain and hail showered from the heavens. Leaves and branches were on the road and water rushed down the hillsides.We wondered if the intense storm would cause a mudslide or topple a tree across our path. Fearful of what was around the next turn, we were wide-eyed and fully aware of our surroundings!
The mountain peaked and the road led downward through a series of switchbacks demanding careful, precise steering in the best of conditions.With stress building, a sudden ray of sunshine hit our necks. Behind us, the brilliant sun had popped from the clouds to light our way. The road led us to a beautiful valley with a double rainbow above! The colors were intense and bright as they radiated from the bow and kissed the valley. It was amazing, but the blessing had just begun! The next few moments provided an experience I could never imagine. Awestruck, we drove though five rainbows. We descended the mountain in silence broken only by a gasp of surprise as we moved into the beams of color. We were bathed in bright hues of red, yellow, blue and green. It was so amazing I wanted to stop and sit in the middle of the highway to bask in the glow of a once-in-alifetime blessing. Stopping on a public highway seemed too risky so I drove on.
Before long, the unexpected blessing had passed, the clouds dispersed, the rain slowed and the rainbows faded. The impact remained – the impression was forged in our minds not soon to be forgotten. The rainbows faded, but the significance of this moment of grace remained brilliant.
Have you driven through a rainbow? I remember times in my life when I have driven through “rainbows of grace” -- undeniable gifts from God.
On the highway of life, your pace is good and the drive smooth. It's going well. You push the speed limit -- just enough to find adventure without being reckless. The drive is fun and, whether you realize it or not, the blessings are abundant.
Then, before you realize what has happened and without warning, storm clouds form and dangerous winds swirl. Road blocks arise and challenge your course. You wonder, "Can I make it through life’s journey?" Then, before you know it, you see a rainbow.
You are bathed in the colors of blessing.The blessing can vary in form. Perhaps a person offers encouragement or a silent touch of support. A card is sent to you that reminds you that you are not alone as you navigate the unexpected storm.
In that moment with a rainbow of blessing, the words of Genesis are true for you: "Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every" (Genesis 9:14-15).
You know undeniably that God is with you. The one who knows the number of hairs on your head has remembered you in your time of struggle and uncertainty. He has intervened once again with a needed blessing.
The other day I drove through a rainbow! But you and I drive through them all the time when God reaches out to touch us with a blessing of hope, healing and grace.
I'm looking for a rainbow today! I pray you are, too!
The Journey Continues ...
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