The Land Beyond...

Somewhere over the rainbow.  
 Skies are blue,
 And the dreams that you dare to dream
 Really do come true...    
 If happy little bluebirds fly
 Beyond the rainbow,
 Why, oh why can't I?
 ...lyrics by E. Y. Harburg

The land beyond--shining, elusive.

But is this the "land beyond" we desire?  Are bluebirds happier than other birds?  Why "Over the Rainbow" in the first place?  Why Bali Ha'i? Camelot?  Is this the best we can hope for--a tropical  isle, perfect weather?   Or do these wistful songs spring from deeper roots? 

"You'll Never Walk Alone" points beyond the bright skies and birdsong:

 

At the end of the storm is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark.
Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain,
Though your dreams be tossed and blown.
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone.
...lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II

Here is a new element--presence.

Psalm 23 names this presence:

 

   The Lord is my shepherd...

   Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

   I will fear no evil,

   For Thou art with me.

   Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.

This land beyond is dark, foreboding. Silent.  But we have a companion.  

When someone has passed through this valley, which consoles us?  "Over the Rainbow?

Or the One who walks with us through the valley of the shadow of death?   -Meditation by Holly Delavan image