Boy, was it hot. I mean, SO hot and humid as my children’s back to school bash commenced in early August. As we were walking outdoors, excited to see friends and hear about fun summer plans, we just withered. So, we packed it up early and went across the street to eat dinner and seek respite.
And, then, unexpectedly, it began to POUR outside. I mean a cats and dogs kind of rain. As we sat and ate and cooled off, we were not witness to what many saw as they remained on the school grounds that early evening – a spectacular rainbow. The photos captured were glorious. It was like God’s promise was over the new school year.
Fast forward several weeks, and another completely unexpected event happened: a beloved neighborhood bakery/coffee/gift shop burned one Wednesday night. No one was harmed in the incident, and we thank God for this most important blessing.
In the aftermath, a fog of grief settled over our family. We’ve grieved and prayed for the owners who poured their heart into this location. We’ve grieved and prayed for the vendors who poured their hearts into their booths within the gift section. We know some of these sweet entrepreneurs personally, and they are so faithful.
My husband, who just grabbed coffee at the shop the morning before the fire began that afternoon, sent his own “pouring tears” emoji to me as he watched the events unfold. The next morning, one of my children cried audibly before school, while I felt the sting of my own tears.
Just like that – the sweetest little gathering place in town – was gone. The place where one could grab a coffee, search for a gift, and listen to worship music allowed a feeling – even if for just a moment – all the goodness in the world.
But, yet, the rainbows after the storm began to appear, one by one. Stories of first responders, or those pitching in to help out, show support, offer assistance, create fundraisers – you name it – these stories were plentiful.
School children made cards to encourage the store owners. They brought the offering they had; the offering of love. What more could one ask for?
The owner of the store has posted, “The building may be destroyed, but not our hope. The work may feel endless, but we won’t give up. The future may feel uncertain, but our God feels like a solid foundation.”
That, my friends, will preach.
God made a covenant to the world in Genesis, and the rainbow symbolizes this vow. Genesis 6:19 (NIV) states, “Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”
God also promised He would always be with us. Deuteronomy 31: 8 (NIV) states, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Through God’s presence in the Holy Spirit and the believers who serve as the hands and feet of Jesus every day, we can often see the Lord’s good work all around, especially in times of trial. As we face each new day, we know storms are coming. I pray we will seek the rainbows on the journey to give us the strength we need to look forward with strength and hope.
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