Part 1

Ah yes, where was I? The weeks have been a whirlwind. Me and few guys at work were recalling the team dinner we had. I thought it was only a couple of weeks ago. Nope; it was in April. That’s just kind of how life has been. But I’m here for it. Nebraska was a great place to park for a few weeks, but it didn’t slow down at all, except maybe for Cash. I had a wild week of travel in May, flying 4 out of 5 days during the work week right before Memorial Day weekend. And each stop was well worth the travel.

I started in Colorado Monday afternoon. The flight from Omaha to Denver was quite delayed, but that’s spring storm travel. I sat next to a well put together woman. We had been silent seatmates until I started unpacking tea from my carry on along with my own snacks. She commented, “You must do this a lot.” I do, and I’ve learned some tricks along the way.

Our conversation shifted from travel must haves to her career path, and mine. After sharing about my small quarter’s living, which usually sparks a lot of conversation, she started comparing places she had lived. The Denver culture has become very much about what you have and what you make, to which I could kindly reply, “I get it. But I don’t live in that world. When it’s not about the stuff, and you serve someone higher than yourself, it just doesn’t matter. I know God has provided me with all I need and more.” I don’t know that she really got it, but I planted the seed.

Landing in Denver later than anticipated, I knew I’d have to shift my schedule. This also meant picking up a delivery to run up to Northern Wyoming and back in a day, including a stop somewhat off the normal path. The drive north was windy, and I wasn’t setting any records. The goods made it safely, as did I, and it was time to turn around and head south.

I couldn’t help but think about my life there when I used to live there: the wilderness years. The spring rains hadn’t hit much of Wyoming yet, but that evening drive, they did. I couldn’t help but feel overwhelming power in who God had shown me so much more of who He is since the days of living in the wild. His righteousness rained down, and His spiritual stamina carried me home.

I got back to Denver Tuesday evening just before midnight, and was back to the airport Wednesday morning. Eddie James was guest preaching our Wednesday night GAP services. And I knew I needed to be there. He has a powerful anointing on his voice, not to mention his ministry to heal gang members and addicted youth from the streets. But nothing could prepare me for the testimonies that were shared.

A drug dealer who had gone to church at Eddie James’ DreamLife before had never felt the Holy Spirit until one day, someone asked if they could pray for him during a service. He shared that in that moment he knew God was real and that He was loved. After his time at Dream Life, he was brought in front of the judge who would decide his future. When he shared his testimony, he said the judge was crying, everyone had tears in their eyes because of how real God was in the room. The judge knew he was a changed man. He concluded his testimony with, when Jesus saves you, you look different, and He makes all things new. Powerful.

I was back at the airport early Thursday to fly to Montana, another one of my previous places of residence. There was an eerie look to the sky all day, but no rain. I had a small drive from one town to the next, got to my hotel, and decided to walk downtown to supper. After stepping into one of my favorite boutiques minutes before closing, the sky closed in. Hail, wind, and rain exploded down from the sky, pelting the streets and rummaging the trees. I smiled in my Tacchino hat, which I knew could weather the storm, and stepped out into the fresh air.

Walking through the big oak doors, I asked for a table. Someone told me a while back, “ladies who dine alone belong at a table, not the bar,” and I’ve adopted that rule. I enjoyed my meal quietly, admiring artwork and the conversations nearby. It was one of the best meals I have ever had, including the dessert. I started back for my hotel and was ready for the heated rooftop pool and views.

The sky had changed again, this time a tale of two cities. One half of my view was gloomy and dark, ready for rain to leap from storm clouds. The other half was bright rays of sunshine sparkling on the green grass below. I rested my eyes. Opening my eyes again, a perfect rainbow appeared on the sunny side of my view. I had to grab my phone to capture the picture. When I turned around to set my phone down, the rainbow had disappeared for another day of promise.

Friday morning started with meetings with customers, all of which I enjoyed. It’s fun when work becomes visiting with friends about life and not just work. Bozeman airport tends to be the one I push my time with, though it’s gotten quite busy with travelers. I hung my hat on a week well spent, getting back to give Dutchy a kiss on the nose before midnight.

The hustle has kept me humble. I know I can’t do this in my own strength. I’ve felt this is a season of increasing capacity, both for what I can handle, and what I need to let God handle. Though I know He has answered so many prayers, there’s still several I’m asking Him, pleading and wrestling with Him to answer. Some days seem like the split sky in Bozeman—both stormy and peaceful at the same time. I can see His goodness, and I know He is faithful, but I feel like I’m standing in the storm side, waiting for the sky to open, and His glory to shine.

Wherever your hustle takes you, don’t forget the rainbows of His promises. The clouds can feel heavy. The things of this world are heavy. But His yoke is easy. And His burden is light. He’s got a hall of fame to prove He can do anything with anyone who has faith. Hebrews 11, referred to as the Hall of Fame of Faith, is full of situations that were storms. But God made good on His promises: by faith Abraham, by faith Moses, by faith David, the list goes on. They all had split skies, history of grueling battles against unbeatable odds. But they remembered God’s promises and remembered to feed their faith. Stay in your fight. Stay obedient. And don’t forget His promises in your days which will fuel your faith.

Tune in next time for more on split skies in life, both standing under rainclouds and in the rainbow. Adios!