The sun will come out tomorrow?

By Jean Hope

Little Orphan Annie believes it will. Let’s see: we have had floods, fires earthquakes, and extremely destructive storms. Now we have this plague-like virus. I haven’t seen any locusts yet, but it could happen! Is the end near? I don’t think so. We have been given many gifts as we journey through these opportunities of our lives. I say opportunities rather than challenges because our perspective determines our response to all that life presents us with. We have been given a beautiful planet that provides us with a home, inspiration and the opportunity to be good stewards. We have faced natural and man-made disasters before and we have pulled together in community, proving that we have what it takes to follow the example of Jesus. It is hard to be positive and grateful at times like these. Dark days over extended periods of time don’t look like any blessing I have ever received. And yet it is the darkest days and months and years that help us discover who we are and what we really believe. It is said that the law of gratitude is the law of increase. As hard as it is to be grateful when doom seems to be bearing down on us, it is this doom that provides us with the greatest opportunity for growth. I hope and pray that I can remain grateful and aware of the blessing of growth that life has provided me so far. I look forward (sometimes with knees knocking) to discovering whatever the future holds.