I observed the grand arches made of layers of oak that support the roof over the indoor swimming pool. An overarching observation: we humans tend to spend much of our time on the details of our daily lives. We spend minutes and hours fretting and worrying about the bits and pieces of our days and nights. Thus we function as though we are extremely nearsighted.
What would it be like if we paused from the worrying and looked on our world with awe and wonder?
Nature abounds in the reflection of some Grand Mover who exists beyond our knowing and understanding.
Arching rainbows loom brilliant in the grandeur of their multi-colored strands stretching across the sky as far as we can see.
Hovering in the distance, they catch our brief attention. The power of the sun refracts and heightens their brazen display.
We look for a moment and give wondering even less time.
We move before the rainbow disappears with shifting light.
But what if we took more time, stood still, received this gift of hope and promise for as long as it is offered? Took such wonders inside ourselves and allow ourselves to be changed?
These overarching miracles of light, these rainbows are beautiful for many reasons. Known and valued for their many colors, light refracted into seven splendid tints. For those who call themselves members of the religions of Abraham and Sarah—Muslims, Jews, and Christians—the rainbow symbolizes hope, the promise of God with us, the promise of a God who declares never to overwhelm us again.
As you begin to watch more carefully both people and the world around you, perhaps you will begin to see overarching things.
Watch. Wait. Observe. Let the overarching world come to you. Let yourself enter into a bigger world.
So what happens when I watch the overarching oak beams as I swim on my back? I have learned to relax and to let the watery world below hold me in comfort. I breathe more deeply. I let go of the worries and concerns that I often carry in my heart. I look up and out through the tall, wide windows that encircle the pool area. And I see another sunrise filled with those glorious rainbow colors.
I am reminded of a bigger universe out there.
Rockingham County native Elaine H. McGann is an ordained Brethren minister and a licensed clinical psychologist. She lives near Hinton.
