"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain."
~Vivian Greene
There's been a lot of rain clouds lately. Rain clouds in intimate areas of my life and rain clouds in world events. So many are hurting today. Grey and I are shouldering that pain on top of our own uncertainty.
In the midst of all the hurt, there's a temptation to disconnect from life. To curl up in a secret place until the pain subsides and the sun dries up all the flood waters. At times, this really is the best course of action. But over the years, I've found there's many cases where the floodwaters don't truly subside, or at least won't without intervention. That sometimes it takes marching out into the rain and working with others to fight off the flood waters.
And most interesting are those who know how to dance in those storms. Encouraging others to puddle jump, laugh at thunder claps and find the beauty in what many deem terrifying.
Over the past year, I've witnessed many beautiful moments during terrifying times. During the 3 weeks Grey was unemployed, I remember fondly the walks we would take in the evenings with the Beats. With our condo crisis, there's been the moments where many have commented that if it wasn't for the wording of the reserve study, they would instantly buy our place as it's been well cared for (which has been shocking to hear). With the heartache of those who have experienced lost has come treasured memories of us bonding over insight into trauma. And there's been love experienced in moments that shines so brightly. Rainbows peaking through the storm clouds.
Make no mistake, my heart is still very heavy. But sometimes the best weapon against those who chose to spread darkness is to celebrate the light. To learn how to dance in the rain, even when the storm is at its worst.
I've got my boots on, and I'm ready. If only I could figure out where to go ... <3
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me of that Mr. Rogers quote to look for the helpers. I think the most moving image has been the blood donation lines. Those that jump in there and say, "What can I do to make this better?" during all those times when we can't undo the event.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful post. I love this the most: "But sometimes the best weapon against those who chose to spread darkness is to celebrate the light." The rainbows in the storm clouds are such important moments to keep you going through the awful.
ReplyDeleteNicely said. Not always so easy, of course, but even if that dance in the rain is fleeting, it is valuable beyond measure, and so worth seeking.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful words, and a wonderful reminder of how best to deal with life's storms. Hope your personal storm passes quickly and leaves many rainbows in its wake.
ReplyDeleteI keep coming back and reading this post. Definitely not an easy task, but so important. Hoping that your storm clouds clear soon and your floodwaters recede.
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