Gratitude in the Face of Despair
Photo (c) 2017 Linda M. Rhinehart Neas The question came as an honest request to know, not as a quick response to what had been said. "How do you always seem to find the silver lining?" I stood, looking deeply into the eyes of my friend. Until now, I had not thought about it. A host of questions to myself ran through my brain in nano-seconds. Do I always find a silver lining? How DO I do that? Why do I do it? Taking a deep breath, I tried to explain. When things get tough, it makes me appreciate - be grateful - for the times when things went well. This in turn helps give me hope and reminds me that change is the only constant in life. That being said, I know that as bad as things get, they can and will change. When things get tough, I may fall into the pit of despair, but I climb out again. I pray, meditate, sing, dance, and create. Each act lifts me higher, until I am no longer sad, angry or fearful. Each step forward brings me closer to the...