A Thousand Clouds

The day I felt a gut punch while having a casual conversation with my daughter and grandson.  Nothing outside of the ordinary, just random conversation about how we needed to be intentional about being prepared for the new season we are stepping into.

Suddenly the conversation switched to discussing the heavy rains I heard beating upon the house.  As we talked about the uncertainty of the seasons, my daughter said, “I don’t know what season we’re in, it seems like we’re never going to get any sunny days”.

Then the words that would hit me to my core.

My grandson spoke words so prophetic and poignant that I felt myself grasping for air. His words bypassed my ears and made a hard landing into the depths of my soul. I had to fight back the tears as I realized that his words perfectly described numerous seasons I had survived.

He said, “It’s like the sun is trapped under a thousand clouds”.

Immediately a slide deck of difficult times gone by began to flash before me. Memories from seasons I thought I would never survive came rushing in like the sudden rains that were falling on my house.  I was triggered!  I felt every emotion of my lived experiences.  Tears welled in my eyes as I remembered days that felt like endless nights — seasons that seemed as though they would never break.

How could a thirteen-year-old craft such a profound statement?  How could he know? 

In that moment I realized he was simply a vessel on assignment by the providence of God to remind me of His faithfulness.   This was a Divine moment slipped into the rhythm of my life – one that would stir up my gratitude and prompt me to offer praises to my Lord for how He brought me through so many dark seasons. It provoked me to celebrate the goodness that has been bestowed upon me.

I reflect on the passage of in Lamentations

‘This I recall to my mind, Therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, Because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: Great is thy faithfulness.’ - (Lamentations 3:21-23 KJV)

Wow! 

I marvel at the intentionality of the Lord to express such mindfulness of me in such an unexpected way.  The most wonderful part of it all is that those dark days are memories now.

Those memories now serve as teachers. They encourage me and strengthen me for seasons I have yet to encounter. They remind me that hope is never lost, and that someday the sun will break through a thousand clouds and shine ever so brilliantly again.

And for that, I am deeply grateful.

Perhaps this story resonates with you and stirs up memories of cloudy days in your own life. Or maybe, as you read these words, you quietly whisper to yourself, “This is exactly what I’m going through right now.”

Whichever the case, I pray that by sharing my story, a glimmer of hope will pierce through the thick clouds of gloom and lift your heart.  May you know beyond any doubt that this is only a season and one day soon the sun will shine again.

Pray With Me

Father, I thank You for your unending love and enduring faithfulness to me in every season. Help me to always remember Your mercies towards me in the good and the bad times. I set my gaze on You for strength, guidance and comfort. May my testimony forever be – great is Your faithfulness.

In Jesus’ name, amen.