I'm continually inspired by nature, and the rainbow is one of

Hear now the words of Matthew Williamson, who gazes upon the wonders of creation and declares: “I’m continually inspired by nature, and the rainbow is one of nature’s greatest optical phenomenons. The sighting of a rainbow never fails to bring a smile to people’s faces. They signify optimism and positivity: with them comes the sunshine after the rain.” This is not mere admiration of beauty—it is a recognition of the eternal dialogue between storm and light, trial and triumph, sorrow and joy. The rainbow has been revered since the dawn of time, a sign that even after the fiercest storm, the heavens will open again to hope.

The ancients understood this mystery well. In Greek myth, the rainbow was Iris, the messenger of the gods, bridging heaven and earth with her multicolored arc. In the Hebrew scriptures, it was the bow of covenant placed by the Creator in the sky after the flood, a promise that destruction would not endure forever. Among the Norse, the rainbow was Bifröst, the shimmering bridge connecting the world of men to the realm of the divine. Williamson’s words are but a modern echo of these timeless beliefs: the rainbow is not simply light refracted in droplets of water—it is the eternal sign of renewal, of peace after struggle.

When he speaks of the rainbow bringing a smile to people’s faces, he reminds us of its power to heal. The storm leaves behind broken branches, flooded fields, and heavy skies. Yet when the bow of light appears, hearts are lifted. This transformation is not only in nature but in ourselves, for we too know storms: grief, hardship, uncertainty. The smile awakened by the rainbow is the soul’s way of saying, “The worst has passed, and hope lives again.”

History too gives us examples of this truth. After the Second World War, London lay scarred with rubble, its people weary and burdened. Yet as rebuilding began, and children once again played in the streets, artists painted rainbows across walls and posters as symbols of a brighter tomorrow. To a nation that had endured years of darkness, the rainbow became a sign of optimism, a collective reminder that light always follows shadow. In this way, Williamson’s reflection stands in harmony with the witness of history: the rainbow is nature’s hymn of resilience.

The meaning of the quote is clear: optimism is not denial of storms, but the recognition that storms are not the end. The rainbow appears after the rain, not before. In the same way, our trials often give birth to the beauty of wisdom, compassion, and strength. The colors of the bow would not shine without the storm’s tears; our victories would not blaze without the fire of our struggles. Thus the rainbow teaches us patience and endurance, for those who wait with courage shall see the light return.

The lesson for us is this: in the midst of life’s storms, lift your eyes to the horizon and remember the rainbow. Even if you do not yet see it, know that it is coming. Do not surrender to despair, for no storm endures forever. When you are weary, recall the times you have endured before, the storms that passed, the light that returned. And when at last the rainbow appears in your life, let it not only bring a smile to your face, but inspire you to bring light to others still caught in the rain.

Practically, let us live as bearers of rainbows. When others are burdened, offer words of hope. When tempests rage in their lives, be the calm that assures them light will return. Smile even in the aftermath of hardship, so your presence becomes a promise, a living rainbow to those around you. In this way, we join with nature’s teaching: to embody positivity, to become bridges of encouragement, to let our lives shine with the colors of hope.

Thus, let Williamson’s words be passed down: “With the rainbow comes sunshine after the rain.” It is a truth for every soul, in every age. Storms will come, but they will not last. Light will return, joy will follow, and those who endure will find themselves smiling once more beneath the arch of heaven’s promise. Let this be the teaching we carry forward—that even the darkest clouds serve only to prepare the way for the brilliance of the rainbow.