storm warning

I was fully awakened by the alarm from a flash flood warning Thursday morning.

We received a second one early Thursday evening.

Deborah and David left for Indianapolis a little after 6pm.

As I watched them pull out, with a storm just beginning, I prayed for safety.

I went to the porch swing and sat, watching the rain pour down.

My heart was hurting.

The longer I sat there, the sadder I got.

My attention was drawn to two birds sitting on a line singing, in spite of the rain.

I began to pray, thanking God for their example.

My heart began to hurt more.

I kept praying.

I noticed the sky was getting bright behind me-sure enough, the sun was breaking through.

It was beautiful, and I thanked God, but my heart was still hurting.

I began to pray more earnestly.

Beth taught me last year that if you want to see a rainbow, you need the sun at your back and you need to look into the rain. I whispered, "God, I know you are faithful. I know you keep your promises. I know you have my back." You know, all those the "right things" to say -things I believe are true, without a doubt, but sometimes I don't "feel" them. And then my heart cry got real honest. "I am facing the storm. I trust you to give me what I need , when I need it. I know from past experience that you are faithful and true to do just that. Today I don't need a full rainbow. I don't need a bright rainbow. But my heart sure could use just a hint of one."

I positioned myself.

I looked.

And looked.

And looked.

No rainbow anywhere in sight.

I had just about given up, then I saw it-

faint, but enough to release the floodgates.

And as I watched, it grew bigger. It became more vivid. 

I could see all the colors. 

I watched it unfold and shine for ten glorious minutes.

Tears streamed down my face. I thanked God for hearing my heart cry. I thanked Him for His lavish love. I thanked Him for this rainbow, sent especially for me. I know from experience that if I hadn't seen the rainbow I would have ended up crying and resting in knowing He sees me, He loves me, He cares for me. Tonight though I am resting in all of that truth while also feeling spoiled by that lavish, colorful gift.