“When you have once seen the glow of happiness on the face of a beloved person, you know that a man can have no vocation but to awaken that light on the faces surrounding him. In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” ― Albert Camus

What a surprise out of nowhere. I wasn’t looking for it. Seems like all at once a handful of experiences happened that set me back on course this week.

CBS news has these feel good stories by Steve Hartman. I love watching, especially when there’s been so much hopeless crime, weather, disaster and politics streaming out of that screen. I saw one that was perfect, it broke my heart and then filled up my bucket of hope – there was a good old American happy ending. This rare story had a beautiful arc. 

On the Road with Steve Hartman: The Gray Brothers

Click on the link to watch the story of two brothers who were left as orphans in the world – but found a way out of their hopeless circumstances.

A friend I worked with years ago shared his heartbreak about death visiting four dear people in his life. He has been consistently reaching out to a wide audience, sharing his own journey and offering wise perspective. Always through the lens of his own struggle and hurt. He and his wife fought a long battle with cancer before she recently departed for heaven. I so admire him because he keeps encouraging people like me. It would be easy to retreat. Easier to hide out alone. He’s not doing that. He’s still living his life out loud in ways that help other people. He reminds me that I’m not alone during my own days of grief. It’s beautiful.

A song from my own playlist popped up and caught be by surprise. I didn’t even remember it or putting it on the playlist. It came at me right when I needed it. It’s a Beautiful World, a duet by Dierks Bentley and Patty Griffin. I just love her voice and music. Click on the title and listen to the song yourself.

Here’s part of the lyrics that filled me up so much:

Sitting there driving down these perpetually overheated roads, this mysterious song, pops up and reminds me about perspective. Like the rudder on a boat, steering my attitude away from fear and worry.

Instead of complaining about the heat I’ve been telling strangers I pass by that we’re one more day closer to Christmas. Now, why am I so filled with hope?

Always be ready to offer a defense, humbly and respectfully, when someone asks why you live in hope.  1 Peter 3:15