Megan gazed out the window at the darkening sky. It was the first warm day in weeks, and she and Evan had planned a beautiful date. The first drops hit the patio, making dark spots on the concrete. She opened her weather app and checked. 100% rain for the next six hours. By the time it stopped, the boys would be home and she’d have to make dinner for everyone.

Evan entered the room. “I guess our picnic and hike are on hold.”

Megan sighed. “I know. I’m so disappointed. Everything worked together so beautifully for today. I so appreciate Dave and Leslie coming into town this weekend. I’m sure the boys are having fun with their uncle, and it’s nice for Leslie to take a turn with Mom. I really wanted today to be a special time for just the two of us. Between work, running around with the boys, and taking care of Mom, I haven’t had a moment of down time.”

Evan put his hands on Megan’s shoulders and massaged them. “I know. You’ve been running around taking care of everyone but yourself. But that ends today. Wait here. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Megan stared after Evan as he headed back upstairs. A moment later, the sound of running water traveled through the pipes. Was he taking a shower? Shrugging, she entered the kitchen to unload the dishwasher. With three teen boys and their enormous appetites, it was running constantly.

A few moments later, Evan returned and took a plate from her hands. “I’ll finish this. You go upstairs.”

Megan raised a brow at him, but relinquished the dish. “I don’t understand.”

“I drew a bath for you. The water is hot and filled with bubbles. Go soak as long as you’d like.”

Megan’s eyes misted. “Are you sure? We’re supposed to be together today.”

Evan gently pushed her toward the stairs. “I’m sure. We’ll be together after you relax a little.”

Megan climbed the stairs and entered the bathroom. The scent of vanilla and ginger filled the air. Her favorite bubble bath. She hadn’t taken a bath in years. Evan had even put the bath pillow in place and lit a candle. She peeled off her clothes and eased herself into the bubbles. Every muscle in her body relaxed.

As she soaked, she reflected on her life. She loved being a wife and a mother, and she was glad to be able to help her mom right now. Hopefully Mom would pull through this illness and live for many more years. Maybe she’d even live to see Megan become a grandmother one of these days. As the water cooled, she exited the tub, dried off with a towel, and donned the fluffy robe Evan left on the counter for her. When she went downstairs, she did a double take. The kitchen was sparkling clean, and Evan had set up their picnic on the family room floor, complete with glasses of sparkling cider.

She grinned at him. “What’s all this?”

Evan shrugged. “I thought we could have our picnic after all. But maybe not the hike.”

“That’s fine. I don’t think I’m dressed for a hike anyway.”

Evan tugged at her robe belt. “You look perfect. I especially like when you twist the towel on top of your head like that.”

Megan laughed and pulled her belt away from him. “Come on, all that soaking made me hungry.”

As they ate their lunch, they laughed and talked and simply enjoyed one another’s company. As the afternoon wore on, the lighting in the room changed. Megan glanced out the window. “Oh, look. The sun’s coming out.”

Evan peeked over her shoulder. “Is that what I think it is?”

Megan stood and moved closer to get a better view. When she did, she gasped. “Oh, my goodness. What a beautiful rainbow!”

Evan stood behind Megan and wrapped his arms around her. They stood that way for several minutes, soaking in the beauty.

“You know how the rainbow was a sign to Noah?” Evan asked.

Megan leaned back against him. “Of course.”

“Well, I think maybe God sent this rainbow as a sign to you.”

“To me, why?”

“To tell you that there is hope. You’re in a trying time right now, but the storm always ends. Your mom is strong and will rally after her treatments end, and the boys are getting more independent all the time. In fact, I think it’s time for them to start pulling a little more weight around here. We all need to. I’m sorry I’ve been away so much lately. But the project in California is finished, so I’ll be around a lot more often. I intend to help more around the house, and I’ll make sure the boys do, too. And tonight, instead of feeding everyone, let’s just get pizza.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.”

 Megan turned around and kissed Evan.  “Thank you. I think you’re right. There is a way through this storm.”

 1 Peter 5: 7-10

 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 

God, thank You for giving us hope that You will help us through our trials. Help us to see the blessings in the midst of the trying times, and help us depend on You. You tell us to cast our cares upon You. You love us and will help us with our worries. Help us claim Your promise to restore us and make us strong, firm, and steadfast. In Jesus’ name, Amen.