I was out shopping last week and witnessed one of the most beautiful things I've ever laid my eyes on. When I walked out of the double doors of the store, headed to the parking lot, it was waiting there for me. It was posted, on high, a rainbow in the sky. This was no ordinary rainbow. This one was full of character, full of charm, and full of charisma as it danced across the sky. Its spectrum was filled. The rainbow dared you to take your eyes off of it. It was whole and complete.
“Mommy, mommy, can we please get the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?” Saniyah said. “Come on, we have to go right now to be the first ones there. Please, please mom.” She begged. I could not help but smile inside. She really thought I could just walk up to the end of that rainbow.
Later that night, I couldn't stop thinking about what Saniyah said earlier.
My first thought was my goodness; I am really going to miss moments like this in a few years. The innocence of the moment was so pure, but the ambition of that moment was so real. What if we, as adults, would reach for the pot at the end of the rainbow just like Saniyah wanted to. Not concerned about what people think or how to even do it. Simply, know what you want and let faith lead the rest of the way. As adults, we let the world and sometimes even our own inner voices tell us that our goals are impossible until we are so backed into a corner of fear that we can’t even move forward. I’ve been there in that corner many times. It’s downright crippling.
When I feel crippled and shut down in this way, I always listen to what the late, great Maya Angelou had to say about “Rainbows in the Cloud”. It is the concept of knowing that you are not alone; knowing that when you face difficult times, you can take Rainbows with you to help you overcome. For whatever reason, this never fails to release me to move forward in life. So, I share this blessing in hopes that it helps you in the same way it continues to help me. Just click this link to listen to Maya Angelou’s two minute definition of what a Rainbow in your Cloud is.
Today, I am truly grateful for rainbows. I am grateful to have known of Maya Angelou. When I get those little voices in my head, I am grateful that I can reach back for Maya Angelou’s inspiration on Rainbows in the Clouds, then instantly reach forward to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!
Teresa H. Snipes, Watch My Feet.
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