The Shaw family has an annual tradition: it is the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo. This past weekend, using our corn-on-a-sticks as weapons, we fought through the humid air to enjoy our children spending mom and dad's money(cough) experiencing the fun.
Speaking of fun, one of the highlights of my evening, other than the bull-fighting and rodeo clown, was the eighties music booming out of the speakers down the midway. I felt like I was back in high school, experiencing the same rides, resisting the urge to wiggle my tush to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Oh, and then I heard it from a friend who-oo-oo, heard it from a friend who-oo-oo, heard it from another...oh, there's the merry-go-round. A little REO Speedwagon, Stevie Nicks...Journey, Air Supply...then I saw Jesse's girl in the haunted mansion. Oh my, she had big hair. Black eyeliner. Leather pants.
I digress.
Finally, as the humid air turned to big random sprinkles, it occurred to me that there was Always Something There To Remind Me. Seriously, just moments after we heard that song and turned around like a tilt-o-whirl, there it was. A reminder. And not just one, but TWO. TWO RAINBOWS. And they hung around for over 20 minutes. I was stunned that everyone in the entire fairground was not Blinded With Silence over it.
I have NEVER, never ever ever NEVER, seen a double rainbow before. Stunned, delighted, exhilarated, silenced...there it was, there to remind me. Of all I have been through. Of all He has carried me through. Of all I have to thank Him for. I just can't help but remember the pain mixed with provision, the tragedy trumped by victory, and the uncertainty filled with purpose. He truly traded my ashes in for beauty and my sorrows into joy. He is an amazing God, all-powerful, wondrous, majestic, above all. Even now as I think of it, I feel personally loved that He would allow me this small glimpse of His splendor.
I'm quite certain that each year we trudge through the thick August air in Shaw family tradition, I will always remember the stunning silence of the double rainbow. And each time, I will tell of all the miracles He has done in my life--His Best of the 80s, if you will, and beyond...
Psalm 77:11-13 (NIV)
"I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will meditate on all your works
and consider all your mighty deeds.
Your ways, O God, are holy.
What god is so great as our God?"
In the Key of HE,
