A few weeks ago, it started raining, not uncommon for this time of year in Guatemala. It is rainy season. However, the sun had been shining brightly with no signs of rain, until suddenly I heard the gentle pit-pat, pit-pat of raindrops on the tin roof. Since the sun was still out, I ran outside to see if I could catch a glimpse of a rainbow. I was not disappointed. In fact, I saw this double rainbow. Beautiful!

I stood there not only delighting in the beauty and joy of this discovery, but also taking some time to enjoy the light rain on my face, the gentle breeze, and the fresh smell of the rain. Deep breath in and deep breath out. It didn’t take long until the colors started to fade, the rainbow was gone, and the dark rain clouds replaced it. 

I almost chuckled as I walked back inside. I had forgotten I had started this practice last year when the world was shutdown. Here in Guatemala, we had all kinds of curfews, restrictions in travel, mask requirements, and we would wait for the President to give us the guidelines for each upcoming week. One afternoon, during an early curfew when we were all inside by 4pm, I remember seeing a rainbow as the police drove around, playing the Guatemalan National Anthem. The rainbow brought peace, as I remembered my true home. 

In a little over a year, I must have seen over a dozen rainbows. Before last year, I might have seen three to five in the previous nine years. I even told someone once: “You just don’t see rainbows as much here.”  But as I discovered, maybe I hadn’t been taking the time to look for them.  

I’ve always delighted in seeing rainbows in the different countries I have traveled to, and, of course, I enjoy seeing them in the United States, too. Rainbows remind me that God keeps His promises, and He’s given us many promises about who He is and what He will do. It’s also just a delightful part of nature.  

I found myself thankful I continue to run and look for rainbows even though our restrictions have lifted and I’m freer to be out and about. I’ve decided it’s a practice I want to continue. 

Here’s why. I notice when I pause to look for a rainbow the following happens: 

• I slow down and take a break.
• I’m filled with an eager anticipation. Even if I don’t see one, I know I didn’t miss it and there will be a chance another day. There is excitement in the searching. 
• I get a moment to enjoy the beauty of nature. 
• I pause and take a few deep breaths. 
• I find myself filled with hope, even knowing we might be on the brink of a storm. 
• I find my gaze directed not only to the rainbow, but to the Creator of the rainbow. 
• I am hopeful because I know I do not walk alone.
• I gain a better perspective on life and time.
• I’m encouraged to keep doing what I’ve been given to do.
• I find peace and rest.

What about you? Have you been looking for rainbows? Or what other practices have you discovered that you want to hold on to?