03/29/2026
To the woman in the coffee shop parking lot, who stepped out of her car and into the rain, just to take pictures of a rainbow - thank you.
Thank you for reminding me to notice things. Thank you for pointing out one of the million miracles that make life magical.
While many ran and rushed, dodging rain drops and going from point A to B as quickly as possible, you stood still and found beauty in a moment we often overlook or take for granted.
I hadn’t seen that rainbow until I noticed you appreciating it. I would’ve missed it entirely, if not for you looking up to the sky as if to say, “look how beautiful”. I saw it through your eyes, and thought the same.
The world needs us, all of us, to notice more of these moments. The feather lying on the ground, the leaf in the shape of a heart, the sequential numbers on a clock, are all calling out to us, asking for just a bit of our attention. Tiny signs sent straight from the source, reminding us to believe in something larger than logic.
As I watched you, unbothered by the falling rain, I wondered what this rainbow may have meant to you. What made it significant? Was your phone full of rainbows? Were they shared with someone close to you? Did they remind you of a person?
We rarely know the motives behind what another is moved by. The world needs us, all of us, to be moved by more of these moments. Despite all of the ugliness, violence, pressure, and injustice in this imperfect place we call home - there are beautiful things, made of wonder, love, and brilliance subtly reminding us that we are not alone.
So, to the woman in the coffee shop parking lot, who stepped out of her car and into the rain, just to take pictures of a rainbow - thank you.
Thank you for reminding me to notice things.
Thank you for allowing me to see splendor through your slight smile.
Thank you for making space for a miracle.
Thank you for slowing down long enough to meet beauty half way, in the rain, and embracing it.
I noticed a rainbow because of you. Twice.
First, as it hung in the sky.
Then, brighter a second time
through your eyes.
J. Raymond
