I heard a story recently that has really stuck with me.

Ross told me his story of when he first moved to the west coast of New Zealand. His introduction to his new home was 45 days of non-stop drizzle and overcast and gloomy weather. You know that depressing ‘will-I-ever-see-the-sun-again’ kind of gloom? As a warm climate loving person the experience had him climbing the walls and just wanting to quit and get out. Everyone kept telling him that it wasn’t always like that, but the persistent bad weather seemed to be unending. So much so – he ended up counting the days!!!

Ross told me the only reason he did decide to stay was the stunning view of snow capped mountains and clear blue skies…on DAY 46!!!

I realised it was such a beautiful analogy of the perspective of hope.

Sometimes life can just feel like unending overcast days – work stressors, crises, daily challenges…and then add insult to injury with those suck-the-breath-from-your-lungs painful moments that just leave you wondering if it is all worth it. Day by day you wonder will all this ever end…is there any light at all at the end of this tunnel?

It doesn’t matter how many times people tell you that things will get better…on days 19, 28, 32…it just seems like very cold comfort and day 46 is just an ethereal promise.

Enduring challenges and hardship is never easy…never a whole lot of fun either… But it is only in the glorious unveiling of day 46 that we realise that we have been seeing things through a veil of cloud…the hope was always right there – beautiful and clear! And once you see it – there is absolutely no going back.

The weather can change and the drizzle return – but you know…hidden behind all the mist is a spectacular view…enough to set your heart alight and give your soul wings!! And that is hope… You can’t quantify it, buy it, or manufacture it – but without it – we are lost!!!

I’ve endured my own seasons of never ending rain, but I also know what that view looks like. It keeps me going…call it vain hope, call it what you will, but it keeps me believing, keeps me hoping – and that is worth hanging onto.

Today…I want to remind myself…and you…day 46 is coming…just keep holding on.