So, yesterday I wrote about blank pages. Because as much as I wanted to write out all of my feelings about things going on, it just wasn’t coming. So I went through the Psalms, looking for strength and encouragement, and in doing so I came across a quote that I had noted in one of my margins, which I then posted on Facebook:
“Only after the storm do you see the rainbow”
Which is true. When there is a storm, afterwards there is usually a rainbow. Somewhere. Sometimes you have to look extra hard for it. Sometimes it jumps right out at you, stretching from one side of the highway to the other.
Sometimes you even get a double rainbow… and it takes your breath away, and makes the horrific storm you just went through seem, somehow, less horrific.
But then a friend posted this response: “…And only after a hail storm do you receive dents in your car!”**
Which I initially laughed at.
But then I realized, that, too, was completely true. Because even if there is a rainbow at the end, sometimes you are still somewhat bruised and battered at the end. You aren’t the same person you were before. You have scars that take time to heal. You may even have scars that never really seem to disappear, and so you are left with the choice… what do you do with them? Do you cover them up and pretend they aren’t there? Or do you wear them like a badge of honor, displaying them for all to see? Neither is really the right way… though I’m sure we have all done both at one time or another
Life is hard. Life is unfair sometimes. Sometimes, frankly, life is scary and it just. Plain. Stinks. The key, I believe, is looking for that rainbow at the end… setting your heart and mind on the One true healer who can bring peace in the midst of the storm and help those scars to be smoothed over. You won’t be the same person you were before, and maybe that’s a good thing.
**Special thanks to PY who gave me permission to use her hail quote! Love ya!**
