By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

There is a phrase I remember as a child that causes me to look forward to the month of May with excitement and enthusiasm. Despite the depression that looms from the hard and long winter of the past several months, the phrase “April showers bring May flowers” brings a sense of hope called springtime.

Following the commemoration of the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus over the Easter weekend, I kept thinking about phrases like: weeping endures for a night but joy comes in the morning; there is a silver lining beyond each dark cloud; these light afflictions are but for a moment; and this too shall pass.

The reality of Jesus’ death producing new life parallels with the thought of sunshine following a season of gloom and sadness. Perhaps you have heard this rhyme at some point, generally having been taught it at an early age by parents or teachers. It is a popular thing to say and hear around springtime.

“April showers bring May flowers” is a reminder that even the most unpleasant of things, in this case the heavy rains of April, can bring about very enjoyable things indeed – an abundance of flowers in May. This rhyme is also a lesson in patience, and one that remains valid to this day.

Many of life’s greatest things come only to those who wait, and by patiently and happily enduring the clouds and dampness of April, you can find yourself more easily able to take in the sights and smells of May. After all, it’s easier to love something if you begin with an optimistic outlook.

Bad thing happen, and sometimes a bad thing, later on down the line, turns out to not be bad at all, even though at the time you wouldn’t have know it. ~ Kenneth Arthur

Have you had a season of setbacks, disappointments, or hindrances? Do not be dismayed. Remember these things: weeping endures for a night but joy comes in the morning; there is a silver lining beyond each dark cloud; these light afflictions are but for a moment; and this too shall pass.