“Of course it’s not possible to experience constant euphoria, but if you’re grateful you can find happiness in everything.” Pharrell Williams The Oroville dam’s main spillway was severely damaged. It could not release water as fast as rivers poured in. When the dam was full the emergency spillway failed after only a few hours causing five towns to be evacuated in case the dam might also fail. People took the shortest route to higher ground. Roads were packed. Families were separated. Parents had to trust that schools and daycare workers were getting their children to safety. I cried listening to the evening news, hearing mothers’ pleas to re-connect with their children. Days later after the water level was lowered and people were allowed to return, my friend posted a picture of an amazing rainbow—the biblical reminder to look at the bigger picture, that God is still in control. After the damage was surveyed, Oroville’s mayor was on the news with encouraging news. So much earth had been washed downstream they were preparing for a veritable gold rush—Oroville is Spanish for ‘city of gold.’ The very next report on the news was that the ski resorts in the Sierra Nevada Mountains expect to stay open until July 4th. For resorts that suffered so much during the drought years, this is exceptional. For me, Pharrell’s comment doesn’t dismiss the tragedies, instead it causes me to look for the silver lining in the storm clouds. It reminds me to turn away from the constant temptation to worry and look for something to be grateful for. As Francis Anfuso said, “Worry doesn’t empty tomorrow of its problems, worry empties today of its peace.”
So when the next storm comes—and it will come—illness, financial, children, loss, change, or weather; I will remember the rainbow and look for something to be grateful for, rather than be tempted to worry. Is there a storm cloud in your life that's stealing your peace and Happy-ness? Are you worrying about a cloud on the horizon? What concern is tempting you to worry today, and how will you avoid collapsing under the pressure of the temptation? Lord, thank You for rainbows that remind me to focus on the bigger picture, be grateful, and enjoy the Happy-ness. Amen “When the rainbow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Genesis 9:16a, John 16:33b
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WelcomeI love the wisdom of the ages gleaned from relevant quotes. In them there is a connection to the human experience that crosses all borders. Join me as I relate my personal experiences, and link the wisdom of the quote to the Source of all wisdom: God's Word, the Bible. Enjoy, Libby Categories
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