What Happens When You Hide from the Storms

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The sky darkened within a matter of minutes. I was already wearing my running shoes and had determined that this time I would make it out that door. I was overdue for a run and need to get back in training mode. Half marathons don’t happen without practice.

So I kissed my husband and his last words were “It’s looking a little cloudy.” He was absolutely right; there was no doubt that I would get rained on. It would not stop me.

The hardest step of a run? The one stepping out the door to start.

I was less than a half mile in when the sprinkling began. The breeze felt cooling and getting wet didn’t bother me too much. Until the drops grew bigger and the rain came down harder. It didn’t last long though.

The sky was transforming quickly once more and the sun peeked through the clouds, then burst through intensely, as if to say “They’ll be no water on my watch. No, not until my rule for the day is over.”

Many people listen to music while they run. There are those who choose their playlists with purpose, making sure that each song has the appropriate ebb and flow to match the miles. Me? I just listen to the world and God. And pray. So that’s what I was doing in the midst of rain and the sun bursting through.

That’s when I saw it- a rainbow. Bright and beautiful, I found myself staring up. I slowed down to a walk and continued to gaze at its beauty. But not long into my gazing, I noticed something. The rain had come so suddenly that no one was out in the neighborhood. Everyone was safely nestled inside their cozy homes, away from the storm. Shelter is a wonderful thing, after all. Only…

If we stay under cover, shelter can limit our vision.

They were missing it. Because they took shelter from the storm, they were missing the beauty of the incredible rainbow in all its glory. I found myself enjoying the rainbow so much that I needed to share it. It was too gorgeous not to tell someone about it. Yet there was no one walking their dog, no cyclists, no children playing. The streets were empty.

I had a momentary thought of what might happen if I knocked on someone’s door to tell them about the rainbow. “You’ve got to see this! You don’t know what you’re missing. Look up!” And then I imagined their response. The reality was that no one would want to be disturbed. I grew bolder for a minute and then I saw a man working in his garage, right by the door. I called to him, “Beautiful rainbow out here!” He scanned the sky and less than enthusiastically replied, “Yes it is.” Then moved on about his work.

Sometimes we overlook the beauty of what is right in front of us.

I thought he would walk out on his driveway and stare for a few minutes. I hoped he would think the beautiful view of colored light would be worthy of his precious time. That he would enjoy the work interruption and smile at God’s promise.

When I picked up my pace and hit another mile marker, the rainbow disappeared. I reached my mark to turn around and could hardly believe my vision. A full double rainbow spanned the entire sky in front of me with  extreme boldness and beauty. It took my breath away. And then I started running as fast as I could. My husband and girls HAD to see this!

I was empty-handed and couldn’t take a photo. But I had to try. The only way I could capture this moment was to run home quickly and then return to this spot, hopeful that the beauty would remain long enough for me to share it with my family. This photo had to get posted on the blog!

But after a few more minutes, the sun began its descent and I realized that I would not make it home in time to show my family the rainbow. And I would not have a photo opp. And the photo would not be posted on the blog for all of you to see. But I could share this simple reminder:

The world needs more of us pointing to the beauty of God’s promises and less of us hiding from the storms.

What have you seen recently that changed your outlook?

Rachel