The Stars Behind the Clouds
This past week, I vacationed with my family on beautiful Galveston Island. With its sandy beaches and warm weather, it was truly a traveler’s paradise. We spent time on Pier 21 watching the ships pass by and shopping at the local boutiques. My children particularly enjoyed riding the ferry to Bolivar Peninsula and writing in the sand near the picturesque coastline of East Beach Lagoon. But besides traveling to different parts of the island, we also spent a great deal of time at our resort that was located right along the ocean. The view from our balcony was spectacular. The swaying palm trees and melodic surf were mesmerizing. It was a picture-perfect place.
On the last night of our vacation, we finished a lively game of Apples to Apples and then decided to go star-gazing at the beach. Our hotel was located on the remote side of the island, so I knew it would be a breathtaking view. But after walking outside and glancing up at the night sky, my heart sank. Gray, fluffy clouds were slowly moving across the heavens shrouding every star in their path. Gazing upward, I caught a glimpse of the constellation, Orion, straight above me and watched it for a few moments before it too was swallowed up by the clouds. The only celestial body that remained visible was the waxing 3/4 moon that shown like a beacon against the dark night. As I gazed at the clouds reaching their long, slender fingers across the heavens, I heard my son say, “Wow! It looks like the whole sky is moving – like the clouds are dancing. That’s so cool!” He was captivated by their subtle beauty. Gradually, their long, slender fingers reached toward the moon and hid it from view for a few moments before its bright glow returned. This dance with the moon continued until eventually it too vanished behind a blanket of soft, gray clouds. In the darkness, we strolled along the seashore laughing and talking about our wonderful vacation – our “highs and lows.” And just before we headed back to the hotel, I glanced up at the night sky one last time and lamented, “If only we had done this a different night, we could have seen a lot more stars.” My daughter squeezed my hand encouragingly and replied with excitement, “What do you mean? You have your three ‘stars’ right here in front of you!” She leaned toward her dad and brother, giving them both a squeeze. All of them smiled widely at me, and my daughter with her usual dramatic flair, waved her hands wildly in the air. Laughing, I realized, Yes, I do have my stars right here in front of me. I am the luckiest woman on earth.
I reflected on my daughter’s comment as we walked along the wooden boardwalk that led back to our hotel. My family was definitely the bright, shining “stars” in my life. And, how often did I miss that with all the busyness that usually surrounded me? When the clouds rolled in, I didn’t see the “stars” that were there all along. I don’t always appreciate the brilliance all around me. And, this isn’t just the case with my family. We all have talents, dreams, and hopes for our future – bright lights for our lives. Yet, when these lights become clouded over by things that happen or dreams that don’t materialize, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important. Too often we bemoan the fact that things aren’t going our way. Sometimes, we even hide our talents and dreams from others as well as ourselves. We keep our light veiled behind the clouds, hidden from view. But our lights do not go out even when they’re hidden from the world. Their brilliance cannot be dimmed forever. Luminous and radiant, they want to be seen; they want to lead the way.
Our value isn’t determined by our circumstances or the opinions of others. We are all amazing human beings with so much potential. We just have to be willing to let our light shine. When the clouds roll in, let them aimlessly drift by, but don’t allow them to hide the wonderful people that we are. See the “stars” within us and the “stars” that surround us. Focus on the love for ourselves and others. The clouds won’t last forever. Eventually, they will dissipate and reveal the brilliant “stars” we were made to be.
This week, take a moment to gaze up at the luminous stars overhead. Observe their radiant glow and splendor. If the clouds happen to be out that night, watch their long, slender fingers reach across the heavens and dance with the moon. Then when their dance is over, the veil is lifted to reveal the brilliant stars that are hidden behind them. May this remind you of your own bright light that shines within. Celebrate your uniqueness and embrace your dreams. Follow your “inner star” and appreciate the “stars” of your family and friends. Don’t stay hidden behind the clouds. Show your radiant light for all to see, and if you have a little dramatic flair, wave your hands wildly in the air. J
