When Rainbows Hug

A rainbow, it made its glorious arc against western sky, unexpected morning surprise, a beautiful wake up call. A bow of glorious hues, this spectrum of light, multicolored vision that caused breath to hitch and foot to ease up on gas pedal. Early morning fatigue eclipsed by burst of color gracing scenery. Heartbeat pulsed to new rhythm. Doldrum routine outwitted by God's magnificent nature. A breath, a respite, an invitation to pause in the moment. Life is hard, gritty, messy and undone, in need of captivating surprises. When unannounced gifts interrupt the hurriedness, the clutter of it all, I want to say yes all over again. Yes to grace and emphatic no to worry. Whispering a forever and a day praise, I felt it once again, this awe and gratitude, spilling over into beginning of work day. Thank you! This has to be the answer, to embrace every rainbow, each moment of splendid miracle, each gift as if it might be last. In the words of John Calvin, "There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world that is not intended to make us rejoice." A rainbow, a dog's flying fur, a child's first wobbly steps, favorite song that causes voice to pitch loud with wild abandon. I like to think that somewhere over that rainbow, our beautiful God watched with eager anticipation, with glee and gladness as the early morning spectacle of moisture, light and color adorned His landscape. And we rushing humans who stilled in the moment, mouths smiling awesome, with childlike innocence proclaiming our praise. A cacophony of grateful living people. Somewhere over that rainbow He must know, must surely understand, sometimes, all it takes is one unexpected, one stunning display of beautiful. To lift a head up in song, to brush the shoulder of the wounded, to dry a mother's tired eyes. And on that day, driving in my car, I felt that hug once again, and it was warm and it was free.