I love watching clouds. Seeing the giant, puffy masses of cottony water vapor sprawl across the sky makes me feel happy. I have been known to spend entire trips to the pool floating on my back staring at the sky. (And yes, I took the picture above.) If I’m having a rough day, simply seeing those puffy things in the air boosts my mood. One of the saddest things I ever learned is that clouds won’t hold me, and I’ve written many stories and dreamed countless dreams that argue the opposite.
One day this past summer I glanced out the window to witness one of the most beautiful cloud displays I have ever seen. The light blue sky was spilling over with all types of clouds— wispy, billowy, puffy, and spread out. They were unfurled in layers and the late afternoon light streamed through them like rays from heaven.
I sat on the floor in my room and stared at them for 20 minutes, crying for the longing their beauty unleashed in my heart.
Well, after that spectacle, the clouds the following day were somewhat of a letdown. The weather was gray and melancholy, and the clouds were no exception. They stretched thin like toast without enough butter and smoky purple. Even so, I watched them. I suppose that, after such a wonderful experience the day before, I wanted to again experience the aching beauty.
I studied those clouds for a long time, still and quiet in my bed. They didn’t seem to be moving like they normally did. I watched the only white cloud in the sky, so small and thin it was nearly transparent. I didn’t realize it had shrunk and disappeared into nothingness until it wasn’t there anymore.
I continued to watch the clouds as the light waned. Eventually, I could no longer see through the darkness to make them out. But watching those clouds, I realized something. Clouds are a lot like change.
Sometimes, we feel that our lives are as near to perfect as they can be. Like the exquisite clouds of yesterday, we don’t want things to change. But, as day passes into day, they do. And sometimes, tomorrow’s clouds pale in beauty to what was.
We get used to it. The gray skies. The tired, empty feelings. And we don’t want it to change again. Because yes, it could be more beautiful than it once was. But it could also get worse. Maybe the clouds, or things we love, will disappear altogether. But as we stare at things, thinking the winds of change stand still, we realize suddenly that things have changed. We’ve changed. So slowly, like a silent clock or the stagnant clouds. We have changed.
But before we can decide whether we like the way the sky is now, the light fades and we go blind for tonight. Will the beauty return tenfold? Or will the clouds disappear altogether? We must wait the night through to find out. Personally, I know the clouds will be back. Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not even this week. But they’ll be back.
This was absolutely beautiful. Amazingly written, and I’m glad I read this. Thank you for sharing light!
So glad you enjoyed it! I think of this post every time I see pretty clouds. 😄
What a beautiful read – I love this Anne.
Thank you, Jo!! ❣️
Wow, Ella Em. This is so wonderfully written. THANK YOU for sharing!
Aww, you’re welcome!!
Loved this, Ella Em – a post that I really needed to hear today even though I didn’t know it. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Absolutely!! I’m very glad. 😄
Whoa, Ella Em! Incredible words!!
Thanks, Sis! 💗
Ella Em,
Hello! I really loved the amazing writing in this post. And the point you made was so amazingly true! Sometimes I really don’t like change, but you really put me into a different view point. Thank you for such an incredible post!
Love, Juliana
You’re so welcome, Juliana! I first got the idea for this post this summer when we were dealing with a lot of change! I’m so glad it’s applicable for you. 🙂