Let there be clouds

For some reason, I really love clouds.

I don't remember when my fascination with them began, but it was long, long ago. Somewhere along the line those huge white puffs in the sky caught my attention, and I have been intrigued ever since.

I understand that a lot of people aren't huge fans and prefer those days where you can look up to see "not a cloud in the sky," but, honestly, where is the fun in that?

Clouds make the sky better.

Clouds are wonderful, because, not only do they add a bit of character to the sky, but each one is so unique and different in its own way and allows people to use their imaginations more than they normally would. One person could look at a particular cloud and decide it's shaped like a castle, while another person may glance at that very same cloud and deem it broccoli, instead. I may see a giraffe in the sky, and you may think you're looking at the Eiffel Tower in the form of condensed water vapor. Regardless, it doesn't really matter, because there really isn't a wrong answer there. It's all part of your own unique ingenuity.

The wonders of the sky

Different clouds also carry various meanings and forecasts with them: nimbostratus clouds indicate light or moderate rain or snow; altostratus clouds contain ice crystals and water droplets and usually appear before storms; altocumulus generally form on humid summer mornings and forecast late afternoon thunderstorms; cirrocumulus (which are some of my favorites) are associated with pleasant weather and look a little like fish scales—they seriously make the sky look so magnificent; and cumulonimbus are fairly tall clouds that you probably don't want to see—they are good predictors of ugly storms and even tornadoes.

But clouds don't always stay the same.

One minute you may see the Sultan of Swat in a cloud and in the very next few seconds see it's turned into Simba—yet it's still the same cloud. In that regard, I think people are a lot like clouds. We are constantly changing so many things about us, yet we are essentially still the same people.

And people, like clouds, often get restless. Clouds are always on-the-go, never seeming to stay in the same sky you're seeing. They travel so quickly but still have the ability to impact each area they pass.

One thing I don't like, however, is when clouds cover the sun. I like it when the sun is shining with clouds in the same sky, but not when you can't see the sun. The sun beating down makes everything feel warmer, and it seems too dark and cold when the clouds try to take over completely. And you definitely don't want that when you're trying to read and soak up some rays on a hot summer day on your floaty in the pool.

But, when the sun breaks through those clouds, and they are both filling the sky with beauty, it's absolutely glorious.

Just like clouds, we need to let the Son shine through to fill this place with glory and wonder. If we try to do it all, it's going to be dark and cold, when what the world really needs is light and warmth. But, like clouds, we have great opportunities to impact others and be impacted, as well.

I think we could definitely all use a few more clouds in our lives.