I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now, from win and lose, but still somehow, it’s clouds illusions I recall, I really don’t know clouds at all. ~ Joni Mitchell

I really believe clouds were created for the writer and the dreamer in all of us. For as long as I can remember, every time I’ve gazed into the sky, my mind takes flight, and I start looking for all the wonders I can find within the clouds. As a teacher, I’ve had to learn all the scientific names for the clouds, the specific function of clouds in the water cycle, and what each “type” of cloud represents in terms of weather analysis. But in my heart, I too love the illusion of clouds most of all.

I was reminded of this childhood pleasure only a few weeks ago as we drove home from Missouri. There were strong thunderstorms most of our drive home, but close to sunset the storms abated and the solid dark wall of clouds began to move apart. The sun showered these towering clouds with light and outlined them in brilliant colors of crimson and gold. It was a magnificent sight to behold. Then as the clouds shifted, shapes began to form. We watched in wonder as a young girl with long flowing hair drifted slowly by, only to be transformed a few miles down the road into an old man with a big nose and shaggy beard. The clouds final variation had the look of a tired dragon slowly crawling home after a long day of fighting knights. At that point, the sun dropped below the horizon leaving only shimmering remnants of imagination behind.

Writing is the stuff dreams are made of, with a sprinkle of reality thrown in for good measure. Every experience we have shapes and forms us, and for me I’m so glad God granted me the gift of a lively imagination. I’ve often used it foolishly, often used it when I teach, but most often I’ve used it to make my dreams come true… at least on paper, that is.

Imagination is a gift that allows us to find hidden shapes in the clouds. It inspires us to write words on paper that evoke emotions in the heart of the reader. Or it allows us to sing a song straight from our heart to lift up others and give praise to the ONE who first used imagination to create the wonders of this wide world in which we live.