Imagine a dark stormy day. Rain pouring down. Maybe some thunder and lightning. Mist and fog. Damp and cold with low, dark clouds. You might be enjoying it snuggled by a warm fire or cuddled up under some blankets with some hot cocoa or tea. A favorite book, puzzle or movie. Some board games or crafts with the kids. Or maybe you’re one of those wild souls like me who loves a good walk in the rain. If you’ve never done it, I can’t express how cleansing for the soul it can be!
Now envision when the rain stops, the clouds part and the sun begins to warm the earth again. What begins to emerge? One of the world’s most extraordinary – in my opinion – natural wonders…the rainbow.
It’s quite simple, really. Refraction – sunlight passing through water droplets and bending back toward us as color. And yet, despite this simplicity, nearly everyone stops to stare in awe and take a picture. No matter how many rainbows we see, we still stop when one crosses our path.
Why is that?
I have a personal theory.
I believe it’s hope.
I believe they symbolize hope in something greater than us.
Rainbows have been associated with quite a few meanings to us earthlings over the centuries.
We have the rainbow bridge as a comforting sign for when our furry friends pass on.
We have the rainbow as a symbol of God’s everlasting covenant between Him and Earth.
We have the LGBTQ rainbow symbolizing pride, diversity and social inclusion.
We have Celtic and Irish folklore tying rainbows to the promise of treasure.
The list goes on and on.
My point is this: the rainbow – a simple, natural phenomenon is universally loved.
Even if you might not associate with one or more of its many symbols, you still stop to take its picture when it appears.
None of us will know what’s on the “other” side of the rainbow until it’s our time to pass.
Until that day, I, personally will choose love, connection, harmony and to give all I can give to make this world a better place.
That’s my intention with the Heart and Wonder Stories book collection. My hope is to create literature to help parents and caregivers teach young children emotional literacy so they can grow into young adults who know how to communicate, connect and build a more understanding world.
