Cloudy Day Sunshine

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For many, the quality of life on the Central Oregon Coast is directly related to the weather. Weather forecasts consume much of the news every day. And since it is a retirement and tourist based community, health and weather together dominate most every conversation.

Many seem to focus on whether the weather will be clear, cloudy, chilly, or windy in the days ahead. And since the weather is so unpredictable here, I find there is really no sense in talking about it other than to make general conversation.

Then after hashing out the weather woes, a typical conversation shifts to about how we are feeling physically. Back pain, headaches, constipation, cholesterol and blood pressure are often compared with one another. And since most of us here are experiencing the same symptoms, I find little benefit in discussing them other than to assure each another that we care and to offer assistance and prayer.

Adding to weather and health, the reality of witnessing the passings of our family, friends and neighbors seem to happen far too often.

For many, this is a depressing place. But for me, not so much. Yeah, I'd prefer warmer summertime temperatures with less rain. I never prefer to feel pain, grow old, or see the pain and aging of others. And I don't like to see my friends and family pass away.

I try to realize the blessings I have. My family, my country, my life and my loves. And I try not to get hung up on clouds, but look through them for the sunshine. To realize that just above those clouds there are always blue skies where it never rains. And I try not to get hung up on my pain, or that of others, but to work through the clouds and to know that aging is part of life, but beyond those clouds there will be no hurt. No pain.

There is always sunshine on every cloudy day, and I try to see every moment. But sometimes, it sure ain't easy. Even with the comfort and tranquility of the Thought Dock.
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