Life's Not Always Rainbows

Something that I think we all need to remember is that life is not always going to be sunshine and rainbows. Although that's what we'd all like, challenges, struggles and difficult times hover over all of us at different stages. At times I find myself even thinking "when will the rainbow show itself?" 

Truthfully, it's partly my job to put those rainbows in my life, in my kids' lives, in my husband's day. It's partly my job to find the sliver lining during all those thunderstorms. 

The past school year has been difficult, yet joyously sweet. 


My sweet Maddie struggled so much in the beginning with her health, stress and anxieties. So much on her precious heart and mind. Though it seemed like we'd never get through it all, we did. 


Avery struggled off and on all year with various challenges. She didn't like coloring at preschool, though, popular belief says at this age that's just what they do. She struggled with change and understanding social interactions like why one girl wouldn't play with her or why she all of a sudden had a fascination with boys. (God help me. Already?) 


Jason struggled at work and as a manager trying to learn how to adapt to different personalities, work ethics, and the long hours he had to put in all of a sudden. He struggled the most with not getting to be home with us as much as he'd anticipated. Such is life. 


I struggled because for almost the whole school year, I was pregnant. While it was wonderful and we were so very happy, my body at 33 was much, much different than my body at 23 when I'd had Maddie. The days seemed longer, the work seemed harder, and juggling everyone's schedules was quite a challenge. Though, I know in the depths of my soul our life's purpose is to find joy during these times most of all. 


I admit there were days that I wasn't finding any rainbows at all. Thank goodness for a great husband to whip me back into shape. :) 


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"When it rains, it pours." 


While this is true I love remembering that without the rain, we cannot have the rainbows. 
Without a struggle, we cannot celebrate in full a victory. 
Without death, we would not have life. 
Without tears, those smiles would not be as sweet. 
Without sadness, we would not be able to experience pure joy. 


Without a good attitude, life can seem dark, cloudy, and as though it's flooding around us. 


"And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth." Genesis 9:12 & 13


Today I celebrate my family, those who've fought for us away from their own families, my girls' and their struggles and victories, my husband and his loving dedication as a leader to all of us, my new son, Jace, as he grows and changes before our eyes. . . .


Today, I'm making the rainbow and remembering to celebrate the RAIN AND the RAINBOWS ...

Note - in the making of this fun rainbow cake, it all broke apart right before the icing. :) I guess it's just cake fate after writing this blog. :)