This morning, the temperature in our little town made sure we all remembered that it truly is mid-September:  39 F.  (That’s 3.8 C, for anyone who likes to feel even colder!) 

Today marks six months since we started in on the “shelter-in-place” orders here in our state.  Half a year.  About 180 days.  It was cold when we began, and it’s returning yet again. 

I’m not feeling particularly cheery about any of this today.  Although I have enjoyed this process of recording all the silver linings I have forced myself to find, I’d prefer to just enjoy each regular old day.  

So today’s silver lining is the meditation I received earlier in the month.  Our pastor is sending them out to all of us; it’s a way to keep in contact right now.  I saved it just for this sort of a feeling, when I begin to wonder just how long we will keep at this battle, when I can’t really find a silver lining happening today.  Perhaps it will also speak to you?

Hope

If you only carry one thing throughout your entire life, let it be hope. 

Let it be hope that better things are always ahead.  Let it be hope that you can get through even the toughest of times.  Let it be hope that you are stronger than any challenge that comes your way. 

Let it be hope that you are exactly where you are meant to be right now, and that you are on the path to where you are meant to be…

Because during these times, hope will be the very thing that carries you through. 

Nikki Banas