When I Look at the Clouds

It is cloudy again today. Most people think this is unfortunate, but I actually like the clouds because the stormy weather gives me an excuse to wrap myself up in a blanket and sit on the couch while sipping coffee and reading a good book. But today I was thinking about another reason I like the clouds. The clouds cover the sky. While the sun, moon, and stars still shine, we cannot see them because they are behind the clouds. We just assume they are there, shining as usual, which is probably true. But I started thinking about what I would do if I were a star and the clouds were covering me.
If I were covered by clouds and no one could see me, I would be free to be my true self. I would shine even brighter than usual, sparkle even more. I would not have to worry about what anyone thinks of me because there would be no one to watch me and judge my actions. I like to imagine stars are their most beautiful on cloudy nights and the sun's light still reaches us on cloudy days because it is shining even brighter than usual. But just as clouds cannot always cover the stars (something I am extremely thankful for), I also cannot always hide from the world.
I do not know why I am always so concerned with what others think of me but I know it is always much more rewarding to let that go and be who I really am. I need to remember to shine like the stars on a cloudy night whether or not the clouds are there. The stars do not know how I love watching them sparkle in the sky and likewise I may not always know who is enjoying watching me shine. Just as God created the stars to give light in all weather, so I am designed to be completely me in all circumstances.