We are in trying times. It’s weird to think that we are living in one of the biggest historical events of our lifetime. I wonder to myself, how will this be written down and recorded in history and what will life be like after this is over? Sometimes, when we are in the thick of things, it is all too much to handle. On the other hand, as an eternal optimist, there will be silver linings to come and that will start with new lessons learned from this all.
Over the years, I’ve shared a lot about the chickens and life lessons that they have shared and gotten myself and my family through some tough times and I find that they too are a great source of comfort, support and offer up distractions. We find ourselves blessed to reach into the nesting boxes and discover the fresh eggs each morning. Certainly, we are amused to have the chickens along in the garden helping out- even if they unearthed all the soil from around the hydrangea near their coop. Okay, maybe that part is not a silver lining.
Meanwhile, the days are beginning to gather more structure and with time on so many of our hands and nights of insomnia, there has been plenty of time to think- about lots of things- good and bad. Above all, I wanted to share my message of hope today.
One day we will look back on this and realize that it was all the non-material things that meant the most to us. It is the moments of life, celebrations, emotions, experiences and adventures that connect us all together and what it means to be part of the human experience. These are the silver linings.
The earth is healing.
And spring still arrives and signs of new life are abundant.
Wild birds build their nests, coyotes rear their new pups and tiny foxes trot through the yard.
The wild turkeys are roosting in our backyard trees again and seeking out places for their nests.
The days are growing longer and the nights become easier.
We will hug our loved ones again and now have an even deeper appreciation for their presence in our lives.
Kids will go back to school.
All of these things will be in the rear view mirror soon enough. Most importantly, what bits of silver will you see when you look back on this?
For instance, it is more family- time, meals, memories and simpler times with less go go go and pressure on all of us to get out there and do it.
I wrote this post above on April 15, 2020 about silver linings and I left it in draft form. Truthfully, I’m not really quite sure why I didn’t finish it. Perhaps, it was too much at the time. But, here I am March 3, 2021 and this drafted post is speaking to me. As I re-read it, its like a message to me. With tears welling up in my eyes, I find myself thankful for writing this. Subsequently, almost a year into this pandemic, I needed to see this and maybe you do too. Lastly, look for those silver linings. Please know that I am sharing with you thoughts of hope.
24 thoughts on “The Silver Linings Will Come Eventually”
Well, I’m a better cook. I’ve tried a bunch of new things now that I don’t commute to the office and have time to start dinner earlier than I would have before. I finally got to use a new sewing machine I had bought a few years before and have become quite skilled at making things. I’m also learning to paint. Not sure I’ve gotten any better there but I do have fun with it. I miss my friends. I miss our hikes. I miss going to national parks. But I do see light at the end of the tunnel for the first time in a year.
Oh Amy it sounds like you are had some lovely time to cook, sew and paint. That is wonderful. Yes, I too see a light and I am optimistic that it will get bright each and every day. Thank you for sharing.
Great post! True some of us need to realize what is truly important !
hi! My name is Natasha and I am 10 years old. I absolutely love chickens, and my favourite book is your book, a kids guide to keeping chickens. it would be fun if I could write a letter to you.
Hello Natasha. Thank you so much. Please send me an email and I will send you my address. I would like that.
-such lovely and welcome thoughts. -definitely think there’s been a shift in priorities, perspective, and a real sense of seeing/finding the beauty in the simple and mundane. -finding joy in the every day little things that really, cumulatively are the big things that sustain us. As always, I love reading your thoughtful posts! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Laura. I’m glad you are here.
I and my girls wish our coop was tidy as yours. So pretty. But we are still in the throes of winter/spring tug of war and a thorough cleaning must wait. I too have ‘inspectors’ and they let me know when their standards are not being met. Chickens! So opinionated.
I’m glad I am not alone. This angle is just a good one. The dirty roosts are all behind me.
Is that why I hear all that cackling in the morning. Yea, a bunch of yelling for me to get out there and clean it up I reckon.
This is so true! ❤️
My grand nephew, who was expected to need a heart transplant soon after birth, was born Tuesday at 6 lbs and is doing well in the NICU. No one dared think he’d even make it this far. I am beyond happy and excited. It’s giving me a great sense of hope that miracles can happen. Don’t give up!
Oh Sharon, best of luck to your grand nephew. I will be keeping him in my prayers.
Enjoyed this message. We all need each other. We were meant to to be support for each other! Keep sharing!❤
I have also noticed the “extra” time I’ve had on my hands. I say that as a family joke. It’s really not “extra” it just matters what we get done in our 18 hours of uptime. And NOW the the time will change and I’m excited about it. Dirt, digging, seed catalogs, plants and CHICKENS.
Woo Hoo Ethel! So exciting.
I love your message of hope. I am looking forward to a time when everyone can hug each other again. I am really looking forward to seeing how all these young children that have had their moms and dads home with them and have been able to relax together without having every moment of their day scheduled with extra curricular activities, will turn out. I am betting they grow up feeling grounded, secure, and very loved. And hopefully, they will love gardening and backyard chickens! Sometimes, we have to take a few steps back to figure out what is really important and move forward.
I could not agree more Kim. Thank you for always seeing the silver linings too.
Well said and so very true!
Thank you Sarah
thank you so much! you are a great writer and I love that you love chickens too! I live in northern Wisconsin and have chickens as well I also have a blog about chickens but it is not even half as good as yours!
your blog is amazing! I love that you love chickens too!
Thank you for your kind words.
Wonderful wonderful posts and messages! Love it all.
Thank you!
Jill