There are times, moments really, when I am full of hope and vigor. The future holds so much promise.

The sun shines.

Birds sing.

My children smile.

The calm is a good place to be.

Life can’t ever let you stay there – because how could you enjoy those moments if they are all you have?  How can you sit back and soak in the joy of good moments and glad tidings if you never get poor news.

This week, maybe three, have been a crap-storm of bad.

Buried under in negativity, pressure, and tears.

I can think of three or four instances where I’ve been ready to throw up my hands and say “That’s it. I’m done!”

But I weather through.

I stand firm against the tornado.

I close my eyes against the driving needles of sleet.

I cover my ears against the ringing pain of the wind.

I brace my spine with steel so it won’t break under the pressure.

Because I know the good is coming again. I can bear the pain, so that I can revel in that joy just a little more next time it comes.

It’s there, on the horizon. Right within my grasp.

Tomorrow, or next week, or next month, it will arrive.

The calm after the storm.

And I will have earned it.  We all will have earned it.