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Promises




      Few things thrill me as much as an unexpected cloudburst. That initial surge of excitement that sweeps over me when I hear the rumbling of thunder, sense the clouds billowing in and see the wind lashing rain across the windows - it's pure magic. I don't ever remember being frightened by thunderstorms. My memories are of siblings congregating in sleeping bags while my mother opened the upstairs window and arranged the box fan in front of it. The flash of the lightening illuminated each individual fan blade - time standing still for one fleeting moment, again, and again. Even now, I always seem to sleep better with the rain. Whether it's the lullaby of pitter-patter on the roof or the brilliance and din of a full-fledged storm, I find it very soothing to the soul.
     And then of course, there's the glimmering aftermath.




      Everything is fresher, cleaner, brighter. The world seems new, vibrant with possibilities. And it got me to wondering, what if rainbows were a permanent fixture? Suppose they appeared in cloudless, stagnant skies on their own, no rain required?
      Would we even notice them?
Could we become so accustomed to their presence that their magic and thrill would be lost to us? Undoubtedly so.

       A rainbow is a promise - a symbol of renewal. It reminds us that no matter how dark our days get, we can be sure that the storm will eventually pass to be replaced with a brighter, fresher landscape. 
       May you weather your storms with grace, dear friend. Marvel at the swirling couds. Stand in awe of the growling thunder. You do not need to be overcome. Remember the peace that is promised to you after the downpour. And choose to be happy while it still rains.


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The joys of life taste sweeter when they're shared. Please share your joy by leaving me a comment. I love to hear your stories-- the joys as well as the sorrows.
Thanks for reading mine!

--- Bethany

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