Gray

As I drove north the cloudless sky was a moody expanse

of rich dark gray. Beneath the sky in magnificent silhouette was the beautiful collage of trees showcasing their autumnal glory of rich reds, burnt oranges, and bright yellows interspersed with various shades of green.

I sometimes find that the colourful trees seem more striking when they are framed by a sombre sky. Of course sunlight is dazzling and beautiful too, but lately I have been drawn to the darker skies sitting atop the glory of fall below. Perhaps without the luminous touch of sunlight sparkling on everything the eyes can focus on the intensity of colours to illuminate the landscape.

As I was staring at the sky I realized there was a pale, almost translucent rainbow that I could barely discern. I couldn’t see the arc of it, just a vertical band ending on the treetops just to the left of the highway. I found this quite surprising. I don’t remember seeing a rainbow on a pure gray sky, most often I have seen them appear after a storm when the sky has broken up and the sun is beginning to come out. It was very pretty and as I looked at it, almost like a mirage, the colours faded into gray and it was gone.

As I gazed out the window at this view so many metaphors went through my head. The moodiness of the sky is like the heaviness of grief over me right now. I may not be basking in sunshine, but the gray hovering over me is also intensifying and focusing me on the beauty and vibrancy of my life that is continuing below. It was unexpected beauty, a solace, and a reminder to me of God’s faithfulness and love.

Rainbows can appear in the midst of the gloom.

Colour and beauty are always evident with or without sunshine.

I was reminded that my life is so good and full of wonder.

And yes, in case you’re wondering, I did miss my exit!

*this picture was not the view I actually saw, since I was driving I did not take a picture. I took this picture just north of my home but not from the highway.

**This musing was written at this time last year about a week after the sudden passing of my father-in-law, which was the grief I was referencing.