Water Rainbows

Water rainbows…

Sweaty flip-flops, dirt between my toes, mosquito bitten legs, and a freckled nose... that pretty much describes my typical summer look as a kid.

Most of those hot summers were filled with working in the garden and playing outside. We often begged for relief from the heat by playing in the water hose sprinkler and eating homemade ice cube tray popsicles. (I bet some of you made those popsicles too. A little kool aid, some toothpicks, saran wrap and we were in business!)

If we were lucky, the family would take a break from the work and go to the lake for an afternoon swim.

Lake swimming was always fun, but it was a full-on event when the extended family gathered at the island. The island is what we called a brush filled, muddy peninsula that my great-grandfather owned on Smith Lake. All the aunts, uncles, and cousins would gather to swim, eat, and enjoy each other's company.

Everyone brought food, floats, towels, and all the supplies needed for a fun day on the lake. And… of course, the supplies included sunscreen. Now keep in mind that in the 70s tanning was very popular and the purpose of sunscreen back then was really more about helping you get a deeper tan. In my case, more freckles and a sunburn!

Waiting in the line of cousins to be coated in sunscreen before swimming was agony. But, eventually we were all slathered and released to the muddy lake water. It was here that I marveled at the beautiful water rainbows. Rainbows glistened on the surface as the sunscreen (aka motor oil) spread across the water. Yes. Motor oil. A poor man’s solution for enhanced tanning I suppose.

This morning as I was remembering those water rainbows, I couldn’t help but think about how God used a rainbow. God used a rainbow as a symbol of his promise to never again flood the earth.

There are so many promises from God that I am believing and trusting in today. Especially when it comes to praying for and hoping for miracles in the lives of people I love.

It doesn’t take a long scroll on Facebook to come across posts that show our desires for prayer and healing in our loved ones. So many people are hurting. So many desperate for help and an answer from God.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

1 Corinthians 2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

God didn’t promise us a life without sorrow or trials. However, he did promise to be with us.

There are many things in this world that I don’t understand. Many battles people face that seem unfair. Many painful hurts and scars.

But, there is a beautiful rainbow of hope in our sight. God’s sufficient grace to comfort us when we are weak is a promise that we can trust and stand on.