As a parent with young kids, I have high expectations for the first day of school. In the scene played out in my mind, we are all up early, dressed, and eager to begin the new school year. We sit and enjoy breakfast together, smiles all around. We have time to spare for pictures on the front stoop before skipping to the bus stop.
Nope. The first day of school was a battle. We failed again at the first day of school, I thought as we walked to the school bus.
As we walked, big drops of rain begin to fall, sun still shining, and we spotted a full rainbow. Rainbows are special in our family – a sign of hope, a reminder of the presence of a God who loves us and keeps promises.
After the bus drove away, I walked to my car, the rain still falling. My work clothes were soaked; my hair limp and frizzy; and I was late to work.
But I just stood there, and thanked God for the beauty of a rainbow and for loving us even when we’re grumpy.
This message is excerpted from “The first day of school and rainbows” by Brooke Gregory from the August 15, 2022, blog of the Women of the ELCA.
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