Dear Bernard,,

Have you heard the saying that every cloud has a silver lining? According to Gingersoftware.com, this phrase first appeared in a poem by John Milton. Penned in the year 1634. The actual quote is “Was I deceived or did a sable cloud Turn forth her silver lining on the night?”

Today, we would paraphrase this to say that every difficult situation has some advantage to it.

I think we would be hard pressed to look at the fires in California, or the tragic terror attack in New Orleans on January 1 of this year as having a silver lining. I don't see any thing good coming from the wars in Ukraine or Haiti or the Middle East.

Life can be this way. One day disaster strikes someone else, the next day it could be us.

On the days disaster is not coming for us, we have the opportunity to shine and show our humanity. According to Google, as of 5 days ago, more than $100 million has been donated to California fire victims.

As Americans, we have giving in our heart. Indiana University published a report that in 2023 we donated $557.16 billion to various charities. Of that number, $374.4 billion was donated from individuals, which is 67% of all giving.

Maybe the silver lining John Milton penned is talking about human nature. The chance for us to shine; to show compassion to others to help lift them from the depths of their despair. I choose to believe that by believing in more than ourselves, believing in a higher good, we can be what others need.

As always, thanks for reading.

P.S. On a much smaller note, this may make you smile: On Sunday, January 12, I fell on the ice just before going to teach Faith Formation at my church. The result was that I broke four ribs. The other teacher asked the 7th graders that we teach to make me get-well cards. One of the students told me that I should look on the bright side of getting hurt. This way I will know how much they appreciate me.