This month so many people throughout the US are frustrated by the weather. Spring has not shown up the way most people wanted it. Sunshine, flowers, balmy temperatures with gentle breezes - where are those things this year? Instead we are facing rain, flooding, and cold temperatures across so much of the country. And worst of all, the tornadoes in the South and Midwest have been devastating in quantity and scale, damages, and loss of lives.
Some people probably feel like this weather is very representative of the challenges they are facing right now: a difficult diagnosis, doctor appointments and tests, treatments and medications. All of this is done with the hope of prettier, easier, warmer, and sunnier days to come - but when?
The thing about the weather, though: no rain; no rainbows. No clouds; no silver linings. No disasters; no inspiring heroes to rise to the occasion. This does not mean it's a fair trade-off, because it just isn't. But it can be a joy and an inspiration to discover the extraordinary gifts - and depths - of friendship among the most trying circumstances. And these are the transforming moments that are remembered for a lifetime.
Several years ago on a wet day a friend was driving through a particularly depressing and potholed part of the city. As the sun came out, she was completely "wowed" as a glorious horizon-to-horizon rainbow appeared that became a double and then an enormous triple rainbow. Many drivers pulled into parking lots to gape like they were at a drive-in movie. It was awesome. And part of what made it such a euphoric moment was the contrast to the rest of the setting.
Maybe your friend can't see the rainbow right now. Maybe none of you can see the rainbow. But there is the opportunity to BE the rainbow for your friend.
Just as we cannot change the weather, we very likely cannot change the outcome of the challenges being faced by our friends. But we can change the journey. And these are the circumstances that can bring out the very best in us. WhatFriendsDo.com offers a full rainbow of ideas to begin to brighten someone's day a little gesture at a time, to shower your friend with love and kindness, care and support.
