Lessons learned in difficult times -

The Path of Light When shadows creep across my weary heart And storms of sorrow rage and tear apart The fragile peace I’ve struggled to maintain While walking through this valley of cold rain I search for light to pierce the darkest clouds, A single ray to part those banked up shrouds, And there, a lone bright flower blooms despite the strife - A lesson that renews my will to thrive. Within the petals, hope reveals its face, Defying gloom with wild tenacious grace, Proving that along the roughest roads we tread There are still wonders waiting to be spread. It takes but one sweet bird’s exuberant song Toflood my soul with promise, clear and strong - A glimpse of joy when I least expect its glow Can drown out grief and wash away the woe. Each minor blessing grants me strength to say - I will not yield or crumple come what may. Armed by these gifts that brighten dreary days I can withstand the trial’s test and blaze. My heart will sing though ravaged by the storms, Through clouds, I’ll see the sun’s returning forms, For pain and fear shall never fully smother The irrepressible joy of life and living. So in this lung-dark night I will not quail, The dawn will come, and hope will still prevail. If I press on, while steeped in sorrow’s mire, I’ll find redemption rising from the muck and mire. And when I gaze back on my winding trail, These lessons learned will make the journey’s tale - That joy persists if we hold fast and learn to see In simple moments life’s sweet victory.