Finding the Rainbow after the Storm

This week, I faced another milestone in the year of the firsts. David’s 53rd Birthday would have been Tuesday.

I searched my phone for one of my favorite pictures of us and could not find it. I made a mental note to organize my photos and I started thinking about so many things in my life seem to be in disarray.  

My mind began to drift as I scrolled through my phone again and again trying to find this one picture. I took a mental break and decided to go to Starbucks and try the new Oleato coffee which was released on Tuesday.

A side note: I absolutely love trying new foods and drinks. It doesn’t matter to me if I will like the taste or not, I just like the experience. When I learned this Oleato drink would release on January 30, I thought it was only fitting that I commemorate the day with this drink. So, what is the Oleato? Coffee, oatmilk, and olive oil.  I took one sip and screamed! Imagine the taste of strong coffee and hot grease! LOL!! It was bad. Really bad!

I thought of David and how he would have stated, “I can’t believe you paid money for that mess!!!” and I laughed. 

A hearty laugh.

A laugh from the depths of my soul.

In the months since he passed, I have cried, screamed, battled decision fatigue, and wondered what was the next right thing to do. 

But on the day that we would have been celebrating his birthday, I was able to laugh.

I turned my car around and headed back to Starbucks. This time I would order a more appetizing drink so that I would not be disappointed.

After returning and ordering, I took a seat inside and began the search for a picture to post on social media. After strolling through hundreds of photos, I still couldn’t locate the picture I had my heart set on finding.

While searching, another picture grabbed my attention.

One Sunday afternoon in 2018, David and I went out for a ride. Before we reached our destination, an unexpected summer storm took place. Heavy rains fell and the storm ended as quickly as it began.

When the storm passed, David spotted the rainbow, but I couldn’t see it. This picture shows his compassionate gesture. He had rolled down his window and pointed to the rainbow so that I could focus in the right direction. He helped me to see the “promise” after the storm.

 Just as my faithful companion took the time to point out the rainbow for me, it is my prayer that you will refocus and be able to see the rainbow after the storms you encounter.

My dear friend, may you find solace in the promise of God’s word,

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
– 1 Peter 5:10 (ESV)

No matter how devastating the storm is, God can restore you.

May laughter catch you by surprise as you rest in the peace and the promises of God. 

The storms in my life have been fierce and unexpected, but today, I see the rainbow.

May you also see the rainbow, a symbol of hope and the faithful fulfillment of God’s enduring promises.

This is my prayer for you.