“Rainbows are real!” she squealed as we stood at the water’s edge of Lake Superior, watching the sunset after a summer thunderstorm. I stopped mid-motherhood-motion of wiping ice cream cone drips from chins and tying someone’s shoe, as those three words brought me up short. They sunk in as I realized something profound: Up until that moment, my four year old accepted as a perceived fact that rainbows – while amazing – were nothing but make believe. How had I missed that?
The fact our family has been (basically) eating, sleeping, breathing, wearing, coloring, talking and living rainbows for the last two years due to her singular obsession with them was shunted into an entirely new light. She hadn’t even thought it was possible to consider them real. As an adult, I had simply assumed she knew rainbows were real. A scientific fact based in reality of things seen and proven. But to her, were they glorious, fun to draw and one of her favorite things in life? Yes. But were they real? Of course not.
Until they were. And her entire life changed…
All it took was one moment to the next, and her whole world shifted into something spectacular. With a singular moment of belief, she stepped through a doorway into a brighter, more hopeful existence, as though moving from the shadows into the sunlight. And I couldn’t help but feel absolutely floored over the privilege of bearing witness to such a wonder.
And isn’t that how it often is with God?
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2).
As adults, there aren’t too many things in life that still surprise us. We know things. We are able to rationalize, to research and to prove as we make our way through life’s journey. But what about our faith? What areas are we holding back from God? Where do we need to simply believe and step out into the light?
Over the years there have been so many times I’ve struggled with this. I’ve hit a snag in my life – be it professional or personal, or maybe health related – and instead of trusting in the power of God, I’ve prayed demanding, unbelieving prayers. Yet it’s when I’ve stepped into true faith and totally abandoned trust in him that he has shown up with wonders I never imagined.
So why can’t we allow ourselves the awe of a child witnessing her first rainbow? We should, and I believe God is asking us to.
Reflection & Journal Questions
- Write Isaiah 9:2 in your journal.
- Meditate and pray over the words as you ask God to reveal his light in your life.
- Write down your struggles and worry that feel in the dark right now.
- Write down your hopes and dreams – what would bring you further into God’s light?
- Pray over your list.
Annie and her husband live in Minneapolis with their two kids – ages 8 and 4. After an extensive tenure working in the fashion industry for a major retailer, Annie opened her own wardrobe and interior styling company, Hudson & Wilde. She also works as an editor and content developer for various online publications. Annie is passionate about creating community and connections with people, especially women, and she also loves to read, write, drink coffee, exercise, and travel. Connect with her on Instagram @aevelsizer and @hudsonandwilde!