On yet another lazy summer day, thumbing the thick emerald blades of grass, I glanced back to see my Grandpa pull the bike out of the garage. This wasn’t just any bike, this was his bike. Actually it was a trike with three big wheels, a cushy white vinyl seat, and a big wire basket on back.
I’d spent many summer days riding in that basket as my older sister pedaled up and down the streets of our grandparent’s quaint neighborhood; zooming past simple wood-sided houses with perfectly manicured lawns. This summer my sister wasn’t here. This year my legs had grown several inches. It was my turn to push the pedals. Off I went around the square staying in the neighborhood as I was told.
Around and around I went.
Then a vibrant rainbow appeared over the field in the back of the neighborhood. Pushing the pedals hard to find the end of the rainbow, I soon realized that I had gone far past the neighborhood streets. Every time it seemed I would reach the end, the rainbow appeared farther away. It was unending no matter how fast I pedaled. Accepting defeat, I headed back to the house.
Even as an adult, I stare at rainbows with a child-like wonder. Always remembering my inability to reach the end of the rainbow on that humid summer day many years ago. I never found that pot of gold. But that is where the magic lies. In the unending bow of lights in the sky. In His unending love, mercy, and faithfulness. In His promise.
Scripture mentions the rainbow four times with the covenant between Noah and God in the book of Genesis being the most known story. God gave Noah the rainbow as a sign of the covenant to never flood the Earth again. It was a sign of a promise between God and all flesh. It is a comforting site amid the storm. A brilliant display of heavenly colors.
Truth be told -- I started this story not fully understanding the message I wanted to share. It would take a seven-year-old girl giving me a science lesson at the pool about the colors of the rainbow and the exact order that they appear to stir up the message. Using her diving rings, she started with red and ended with violet. Seven colors in the same order each time a rainbow appears. Those seven colors representing completeness and perfection.
No matter where you see a rainbow; it is always the same seven colors in the same order, and always in the shape of a bow. It is a constant in an ever-changing World – just like our faithful Creator. Isn’t it comforting to know that He is always the same no matter how much we change or the world changes around us? “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)
No matter how much we fail.
No matter how much we distance ourselves.
No matter our shortcomings.
He is always the same God.
Same hope. Same grace. Same love. Same compassion.
Always faithful.
So next time you catch a glimpse of the heavenly display, remember His complete perfection, His unchanging ways, and His unending love.
Pick Me Up Song
I always shed a tear or two when I hear this song, especially sung by Johnny Cash. It's the best love song for all the loves in your life! I love the ending of this recording where Johnny Cash sets them straight.
God Have Mercy On Us
When your internal forecast has been set to an overcast of dark clouds ask the Master Meteorologist to make it rain and then let the sunshine break through. Be real -- tell Him how you feel. Remind me Lord of your constant presence especially when the forecast looks bleak.
Inspiring Quote/ Verse
"Be a rainbow in someone else's cloud." Maya Angelou
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