Not all days are sunny ones though, and that fact seems tragic to me at times. All I will want to do is go outside but find the rainy weather an automatic turn off of the trip outdoors. Or perhaps I find the forecast to be cloudy or windy or any number of other hindrances of my sunshine enjoyment. It’s those rainy or cloudy or windy days that force me to find some other way to spend my time. Cooped up within the walls of my home I often begin my work with a less enthused attitude. But as time goes on, I find a way to adapt to a new working environment.

Although it is not sunshine, the rain is necessary for things to grow. The water soaks into the soil of plants wishing for nourishment and hydration. Water is wonderful. Rain is wonderful as well and the sooner I appreciate it the better.

So it is with our lives. There will be times of sunshine, when nothing could possibly feel better, as will there be times of rain, forcing us to get comfortable inside. The flow of life and challenges often give us cause to adapt. I’ve been thinking about this lately and have come to the conclusion that, just like plants, we need both sunshine and rain.

How many times are our lives like that? The “storms” keep on coming and coming, and despite momentary reprieves, we can’t do anything about it. But there’s a really nice thing about weather (and life): eventually, the sun does come out. Anyone feel an “Annie” song coming on?

See, my life was pretty stormy there for a little while. I had storms in my family, in my relationships, in my health, and in my plans for the future. And I’ll be quite honest and say that there were times I didn’t know how, or even if, things were going to work out. But guess what? They did! Okay, so everything hasn’t resolved completely, but things have most definitely turned around. It’s been a miracle. There are still some clouds that haven’t gone away, but “I can see clearly now; the rain is gone…

…it’s gonna be a bright, bright, sunshiney day-ay-ay!” In fact, it already is

As I am thinking of February, I am pondering the ways I can show love to those who mean so much to me by scattering some sunshine. Yesterday, I took a meal to a dear person whom I love. She has done much for me over the years, and, though I didn’t see her when I delivered a meal for her family, I felt blessed to return some of the sunshine she has scattered in my life.

Sometimes, I feel sunshine scattered into my life through a kind word, a gentle touch, or a sweet smile. I hope that, in the moments I spend with others, I am scattering sunshine as I read a story, share a treat, or laugh with a loved one till my cheeks hurt!!

In this month of hearts of pink and crimson, take a moment to scatter some bright yellow sunshine along your area of the world. You never know what may happen when you blend your red hearts with golden sunshine–you just might glow till March!!!