I Believe in the Sun

 As I was walking around our neighborhood this past weekend, lamenting the gray dreary weather, I reminded myself that the sun was still there, shining brightly, though it was hidden behind the clouds. A well-known quote came to mind:

"I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining; I believe in love, even when feeling it not; I believe in God, even when he is silent."

Though I've heard this saying often through the years, I was curious as to its origins and decided to do a little research. There are a few different theories, but the consensus is that this was originally an inscription that had been scratched into the walls of a cellar in Cologne, Germany by a Jew, one of many who had been hidden there during the Holocaust.

I tried to imagine what it would have been like to have been confined to a dark cellar during this very frightening time. Yes, their lives were saved, but they were still deprived of such basic human needs as sunshine, fresh air and freedom.

I thought of how very difficult it would be to cling to one's hopes and ideals, to continue to have faith, under such circumstances. It is a true testament to the strength of the human spirit that someone could write beautiful poetry at such a time.

Maybe it is at just such times, when we are in great pain and deprived of simple comforts, that our inner light shines brightest.

So, today, as I look out the window and see yet more gray and rain on this Spring morning in May, I seek the inner light of Spirit and find strength. I am hopeful, reminding myself that this rain nourishes the new life that is springing up all around me, just as difficult times nourish and create resilience in my soul.

I think of the grace we said when my children were young and bring it with me into the new day:

Thank you for the world so sweet; thank you for the food we eat;
 thank you for the birds that sing; thank you God for everything...