I am linking up for the Five Minute Friday. The FMF is hosted by Kate Motaung over at our Five Minute Friday website. Today’s word prompt is “promise.” We would love to have you join us.
It’s a rainy May Day here in Western ND. And on rainy days, I can’t help but think of Noah and the flood. Noah did as God commanded and built the arc. Two of every animal on the arc. It rained for 40 days and 40 nights. Then God sent a dove and placed a rainbow in the sky…a promise that this would never happen again.
What kind of promise or what did God mean by this promise? Because in our world, we still experience floods. That’s the thing about water it can be a blessing or it can be a curse. It makes me think about the rainbow and what God truly meant by this promise. What do you think?
The rainbow is a beautiful gift that God gave us. When I see the rainbow, I’m reminded of the promise given to me, to all of us in Baptism. “Tara Lee, you are a baptized child of God whatever else you are; remember that you are that; for that is the basis of whatever else you are.” In Baptism, God calls and claims us and promises to never leave or forsake us.
What kind of promises are we willing to make? Do we make promises that we can’t keep? I always remind my Confirmation students, don’t make a promise you can’t keep. Promises that are kept give us hope.
I find I am good at keeping promises to others, but I am terrible at keeping promises to myself. But, I have the same respect I give others, and so I need to change this behavior.
Annie, that is so true for me too. Agreed. I need to give that same respect to myself too!
Tara, a beautiful way to look at rainbows. I hesitate to make promises because I know by nature I am not perfect. God honors His promises, but we often fall short. I will say I promised our youngest son never to buy frozen meatballs after he choked on one. That one I have kept:) Have a blessed weekend. In Christ, Julie
So true! Nobody is perfect! Only God! Yes we do often fall short! I can see why you kept that meatball promise. Have a blessed week my friend!
I think God’s promise with the rainbow was not to flood the whole earth again, because everything was destroyed except for the people and animals in the ark. While we see devastating floods in parts of the world, they don’t affect the whole world like that one did.
I agree, keeping promises is important and I try not to make them unless I know I can keep them.
Good insight! I too try only to make them if I know I can keep them!
Promises kept give us Hope! Yes and Amen, my friend! Yes and Amen!
Yes!!! Yes and Amen! xoxo
on rainy day after rainy day, the rainbow promise is very encouraging. while there may be local flooding, that promise was that GOD would never send world-wide flood again. how hopeful is that?
Yes it is!
Tara, what a deep, beautiful statement said to you at Baptism! I need to remember that. It points to the one who never breaks promises.I didn’t write this week.
It was actually said to me at my seminary graduation. My advisor gave all his advisees that quote woven and framed. I absolutely love it!
When I see a rainbow
something stirs my soul,
for though I have so far to go,
I’ll be arriving whole.
God’s promise is that the sun
will shine beyond the storm,
that the resurrection has begun
and the day shall promise warm.
Although I sit in shaking terror
under cancer’s hungry gaze
I know despair would be an error,
and there will be brighter days.
The promise God placed in the sky
bids me live, even as I die.
I am loving your poetry, Andrew! Praying continually for you dear friend! xoxo