The Return of the Light!

Posted byThe Fullers FourPosted inSunriseTags:, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

After a ridiculously long spell of cloudy weather, we saw blue sky today, and the feeling of bliss was palpable! I cannot explain why sunshine feels so good, but it just does. (Well, I can explain, but who cares? It’s wonderful!)

My first look out the window revealed a sky clear of any clouds, with the beautiful “Belt of Venus” effect (layers of colors on the horizon in the absence of clouds, usually pink on the bottom). I woke our sons in the partial dark and said, “Get up, get up! The sun is out!!” 

It was 6 below zero this morning, so getting out of bed (and starting the car) took some effort. Since today is Sunday, we were soon off to church, “ooh-ing” and “aah-ing” all the way. Everything looked like crystal or diamonds or glass, and the light was so bright! It just made my heart sing. 

Then we got another unexpected (and rare) blessing: The eastern sky was lit with a beautiful pair of sun dogs next to the sun! (I actually thought it was a rainbow, but Tony pulled out the book and taught me the correct term. Ahem.)

Are those wonderful columns on either side of the sun rainbow-garbed sentinel angels? No, I bet angels are much more beautiful and awe-inspiring. These iridescent patches are called “sun dogs.” It’s a stretch to call this “rare,” though. Sun dogs are visible on an average of 70 days each year, according to the book.

What book, you might ask, would address such visual phenomena? Why The Cloud Collector’s Handbook, of course! 

The Cloud Collector’s Handbook by Gavin Pretor-Pinney is a publication of The Cloud Appreciation Society. Online information may be found under the organization’s name plus .org.

Several years ago–well, more than a decade ago–we started a cloud study. In our search for textbooks, traditional or not, we found a (the) Cloud Appreciation Society which published a handbook on clouds. 

This book is a treasure, and has found a permanent place in our reference library. Tony, who has the most amazing memory, will still, more than a decade after our formal study, point out specific cloud formations. If one dares to contest him, he will bring out the treasure and show the receipts!

The authoritative resource of most things cloud-like and atmospheric, the Cloud Collector’s Handbook has several pages of scientific information, complete with color photo references for each subject. Highly recommended if you like to look up!

The appearance of the sun after such a long absence, and then the colorful light show on the way to church, prepared us to worship, and I was so pleased to sing, “Jesus Messiah” during the service this morning. 

“Jesus Messiah, name above all names; Blessed redeemer, Emmanuel; The rescue for sinners, the ransom from Heaven; Jesus Messiah, Lord of All!“

Blessings all around, to you and yours. May you be warm and enjoy the love of God today!

Leave a comment