“I Can See Clearly Now”

Over the last few weeks a number of people have shared that the cloudy weather has been getting to them.  It is true this is a very snowy winter which is great for all who depend on jobs, for rivers and streams, and for all who rely upon the Colorado River.  For those who ski, it has been a terrific season.  But it is also true that these last few months have been inordinately gray and cloudy.  February bluebird days seemed far and few between.

I’ve noticed that my mood too has sometimes been affected by all the clouds.   As I have experienced such moments I reflected on the “cloudy” passages of my life, when emotionally there was not much light, when the ability to see what was ahead was shrouded, and things felt gray and sterile.  

But just as the sun comes out after a cloudy period, our faith encourages us to remember that when we feel like we are in the clouds and things seem dark, the sun, metaphorically, will return as will perspective, growth, and healing. As each day is filled with hours of light and darkness, so are various passages of life.  But we are reminded that the light of Jesus and the power of God’s loving spirit overcomes any darkness when it is all said and done.   Darkness cannot prevail over light.

As I think back over my life to dark periods, upon reflection I came through such passages. And each time I overcame I was reminded of the lyrics of Jimmy Cliff’s spectacular song many of you know.  

Here are some excerpts.  “I can see clearly now the rain is gone.  I can see all the obstacles in my way.  Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind.  It’s gonna be a bright, bright, bright, bright sunny day…Oh, yes, I can make it now the pain is gone.  All the bad feelings have disappeared.  Here is the rainbow I’ve been praying for.  It’s gonna be a bright, bright, bright, bright sunny day.”

These lyrics encourage us to remember that in this life, dark times are often followed by times of light in which we can see clearly.  But they also remind us that when our eyes close for the last time, we will encounter the rainbow we all have been hoping for.  That is the promise of Easter to always recall, even in this season of Lent.