Splashes of Color on Walls of Gray
What are you looking for?
On the canvas of life, amidst the prevailing monotony of gray, there exist moments when splashes of color grace the walls that confine us. These walls of gray are not merely physical barriers but encompass the boundaries imposed by circumstances, the echoes of past failures, the insinuations of a subculture, and the silent expectations of society. They are the subtle whispers of doubt that linger behind the curtains, in the backstage of our minds. These walls represent the mass of inherited limitations and cast an intimidating shadow that babbles - "Here you go again."
But gray is never the final stroke on life's canvas. Just when the monotony seems relentless, life finds a way to interrupt the ordinary—
I remember vividly one special Christmas when nature interrupted our ordinary plans in bold, unpredictable strokes. During the Holidays, our property becomes a hub of joy and celebration for the whole family, but on this day, it was "raining cats and dogs," and it had been for days! Despite the weather, our gathering was complete: nine grandchildren, seventeen humans in total, accompanied by two female dogs and two tomcats. Sounds all warm and fuzzy until you realize you're allergic to fuzzy!
We were all confined to the house, with every outdoor activity quite literally washed away. Then, around day three, as if on cue, everyone seemed to instinctively pause and head outside. No one announced it—it just happened—but the moment is etched in my memory. Spread across six acres of property, our family stood in silence, even the six-year-olds rendered speechless. Above us, two of the most vivid, breathtaking rainbows I had ever seen arched gracefully over our home like a magical promise painted in the sky.
What I saw was physical, but what I felt was spiritual. I felt God was speaking a word over our family. It was truly a moment. And yet, as I beheld the symphony of hues bending boldly across the sky, I couldn't help but notice the stark contrast with a looming, defiant wall of gray clouds. It seemed to challenge the rainbow's proclamation of hope, threatening to reclaim the sky and wash away the promises of color and light the two rainbows offered.
More than once in my life, I have come to realize that these walls of gray manifest in myriad forms — the cautionary words of skeptics, the statistics that forecast our destiny, and the unseen threads of genetics that weave our predispositions. They all blend a collage of limitation, painting the world in shades of resignation, monotony, and conformity.
But within this landscape of predetermined boundaries exists a profound truth:
The splashes of color that grace our existence are not mere accidents but potent symbols of hope and opportunity. They are the unexpected blessings that punctuate the routine; the chance encounters that alter trajectories, and the moments of courage that defy the odds.
In the rhythm of life, the concept of "time and chance" prevails, offering us all an equal footing despite the walls of gray that seek to confine us. These seemingly random yet undeniably transformative moments are where the hues of possibility emerge.
They are the opportunities seized, the dreams pursued against all odds, and the flashes of brilliance that illuminate our path forward.
Each splash of color tells a story of resilience, of individuals who refused to be defined by the limitations imposed upon them. They are the artists who painted their dreams on the canvases of adversity, the innovators who saw beyond the accepted norms, and the seekers of truth who dared to challenge the status quo.
As we navigate the corridors of life's uncertainties, let us remember that the walls of gray do not define our destiny. Neither can they frame the house in which we live.
They are but a backdrop against which the colors of courage, hope, and perseverance shine brightest.
Like the rainbow after the storm, they remind us that amidst the challenges and uncertainties, there is always the promise of something more.
The wise man said,
"I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all." (Ecclesiastes 9:11)
I think it not accidental that these words left us by Solomon and now preserved in the canonized scripture are signified and noted as "the 911 passage." These words echo the truth that while the walls of gray may surround us, the true colors of unexpected opportunity and divine intervention are revealed in moments of emergency and chaos. There's a very good "chance" that you will discover the most vibrant tapestry of resilience and hope against the backdrop of your most terrific storm.
It's YOUR CHANCE! What are you looking for?
You may never have perfect weather for something great, but greatness isn't born from perfection—it's forged in the face of obstacles. Turn barriers into backdrops, transform gray skies into golden opportunities, and let every storm unveil a hidden spectrum of joy.
Here's to you—may you get your chance to find brilliant splashes of color on the darkest walls of gray!
