Chasing Rainbows

Rainbows are still popping up around here with surprising frequency. They keep appearing in the evening, after work, while I’m out and about. The first few caught me by surprise. But yesterday, I was almost home from work and errands when the sun started shining through the light rain that was falling. As soon I pulled into my garage, I leapt out of the car and looked to the east. It wasn’t curiosity. I knew a rainbow would be there – and it was.

I jumped right back into the car and drove a few blocks over to the elementary school and ball field, where you can always get a great panoramic view. Standing happily in the parking lot with my camera, I felt a little amused at myself. I was acting like a stormchaser. I thought, I’ve become a rainbow chaser. I’ve gotten so attuned to the right conditions for a rainbow that I can look for them with confidence and expectation.

I wish life was that certain. But sometimes, even when the circumstances are right, you have to wait for that rainbow to appear. Sometimes the sun goes behind a cloud before its light has a chance to catch. There are no guarantees. But I’m still trying to be a person who keeps an eye on the sky.