The Dark Side of Sunshine
by Jenni
For the first time in a long time, I took my coffee on the front porch this morning, with birdsong and sunshine.
Warm blue-sky days this time of year are a gift, like receiving a bouquet of flowers “just because” in the middle of an ordinary work day. Most of us can’t help but feel a little happier about life in general when sunshine chases off the cold gray of winter.
But do you hear that dark little voice warning you not to enjoy it too much, because summer’s still a long ways off? Here in Central Oregon, spring is a big tease, mostly comprised of winter weather, with an occasional gorgeous day like this to hint at summer. “Still plenty of wet, gray days ahead,” warns wisely pessimism, “so don’t get your hopes up.”
Well, isn’t that all the more reason to enjoy this momentary sunshine? The attitude almost implies this beauty is a mirage and the naive optimists who bask in it’s glory are merely duped. Our generation is so steeped in skepticism and aware of the world’s harshness that many times we don’t know how to simply enjoy goodness when it shines upon us.
Instead of looking for the dark side of sunshine, I intend to get out there and revel in its brightness today. I have a bunch of work lined up this morning, but after lunch I’ll be strapping on my baby and meeting my friend for a long walk. “Still plenty of wet, gray days ahead,” muses wisely optimism, “so enjoy this moment for all it’s worth!”
I hope you’ll be able to lift your face to the sun sometime this weekend, too.
Under the Apricot Tree 
So very true Jenni, it is a sunny day here so I think I will go out and get some of that wonderful sunshine. Love your blog, love you, have a great day, gram
God will always trouble our waters. I agree that those moments of contentment and happiness which He provides are to be savored.
Love your attitude, that’s how life should be lived! Enjoying every moment of it!
This was a lovely and warm article.
In my part of our country, we have all seasons in equal intensity with summers being particularly hot. But when winter set in towards the end of last year, it grew colder each day.
With all the weather anomalies, a few weeks back, when we finally thought spring would break through the cold chilly days, winter decided not to leave the chill yet. And so, whenever a sunny day pops in, “instead of looking for the dark side of sunshine, I intend to get out there and revel in its brightness”.
🙂