Recently, I had to pull everything out of a closet to find the right winter clothes for a trip to Wyoming, which has rapidly changing weather within a single day. Amid the chaos was a note with Genesis 9:16 (NRSV):
“When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”
The biblical story is about Noah and the Ark, God’s covenant with Noah, and every living creature after the “Great Flood,” which won’t be discussed. I’ll defer to the theologians and biblical scholars.
Intrigued by the “bow in the clouds” reference, the note was put aside to be dealt with upon my return.
So, the “bow,” which does not have an arrow, is a rainbow! Sometimes we can get so caught up in our daily lives that we miss the beauty of God’s creation, which is available to us every day and has intrigued people for thousands of years.
To reconnect: look up at the sky and seek out rainbows; the changing cloud formations are a bonus.
Rainbows make me happy and help me relax; they slow me down and help me enjoy whatever else may be happening around me. They remind me of God’s presence in my life and are a sign of God’s love and forgiveness, new beginnings, and more.
When reflecting on all the road trips taken alone, with my family, or with friends, they all seem to have one thing in common: the excitement of suddenly sighting a rainbow in the sky – after a heavy storm; on a cloudless day; or, while taking a walk. While walking around New York City, spotting a rainbow between two buildings after turning a corner, always make my day!
Sighting a rainbow when with companions can be a conversation changer: one of us may mischievously wonder aloud, “Will today be the day we’ll find a pot of gold?” We may then discuss our hopes and dreams: or what will be done with the gold (if found).
Recently, a friend shared seeing double rainbows over a valley. What a glorious sight that must be!
Shared by Karen Reynolds
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