Head In the Clouds

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Head In the Clouds

by Katie Loveless

It had already been a hectic morning of preparing for the day amid cloudy skies. I was on my third stop when I caught a glimpse of something glorious along my familiar commute. The terrain is familiar, though changed over the last few years by an unexpected tornado followed by efforts to rebuild. In fact, a local Christian school known as Grace was leveled in the tornado’s aftermath. In this place where Grace was decimated, terrific rebuilding is underway.

This is the backdrop for a glorious rainbow I caught a glimpse of. It was stunning and breathtaking as it arched directly over the established architecture framing the rebuild. It vibrantly contrasted the pastel blue hues of the sky behind. I heard myself utter out loud, “Amazing.” Without a second thought, I opted to pull over and take a picture. However, in the short time of pulling over and turning around, the rainbow had vanished just as quickly as it appeared. Bewildered, I looked around and noticed the sun, which had shone gloriously just moments before, was now covered by a dense cloud.

Like a child with an unfulfilled wish, I massaged my disappointment. I resigned myself to the drive ahead and began my journey at the stop sign intersecting with the view of Grace under construction. Just as quickly as the rainbow had appeared, I sensed the Lord speaking to my heart with a question. Just because you can no longer see it, does it make it any less true?

Indeed, the rainbow and the promise it represents are both true. The rainbow is a momentary reminder that God won’t flood the entire earth again. Isn’t that a glorious promise amid cloudy skies when you have been pelted by the rain? Isn’t it salve to your soul to comprehend that every season of suffering has its end? God isn’t interested in your total annihilation; He’s actually interested in your construction.

You may be thinking that the grace for your life has just been decimated. Let me encourage you dear one, grace is taking shape. His grace for your life is under construction. This is a great time for me to mention that the tornado did not level the school. The structural integrity of the original campus was compromised by the severity of the storm, so much so that it was deemed necessary to start over. Thus, demolition ensued after the storm to create space for something new and improved.

Isn’t that what starting over is all about? I am encouraged to remember that our Maker was willing to start over just as He did with Noah, his family, and all the creatures spared in the ark. If God is willing to start over, won’t you?

Just because something in your life looks different than what you feel God has promised, it doesn’t make His promises

any less true. His promises remain even if your circumstances seem to overshadow them like a cloud. He is still faithful and He is still good.

For me personally, I struggle with wrecked remains of what has been and wonder what will be. The necessary prospect of starting over is daunting to me. God has been so gracious to reconcile my questioning with the knowledge of His rescue. In His mercy, I get to start over and rebuild because He is far too kind to let me inhabit something that isn’t structurally sound. I’m reminded, it isn’t so much about what has been but more about what will be.

And beloved, even amid cloudy skies, there are brighter days ahead. It very well may be worthwhile to walk around with your head in the clouds.

About The Author Katie Loveless is a social worker, wife, and mother of five boys. She is a student of grace who enjoys writing, gardening, and empowering others to pursue stability. Katie is also the author of arisetoo.blogspot.com.