“Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.” — Annette Funicello

Is it even necessary for me to describe this world as imperfect? My heart breaks each time I see the latest, devasting headline. At times it seems as if darkness completely overwhelms this world. There are cries of sorrow, protests for peace, desperate shouts for action. Is there really beauty in this world? Even simpler, is there any good left? Can life really be wonderful amidst such brokenness and hatred? While the answer may or may not be obvious, I will still answer with a resounding yes. Absolutely yes. Without a doubt, there is darkness and there is evil. Yet, in order to have darkness, there must be light and in order for there to be evil, there must be good. This may seem simplistic, but it also provides some comfort and reassurance. I’ve found that even in the midst of chaos and devastation, it is truly the little things that make life wonderful. It is easy to forget that life can in fact be wonderful, as we are often drowning in acts of terrorism with innocent lives being claimed. But have you ever looked up at the stars in the night sky and realized just how small we are? Has your mind ever struggled to comprehend the vastness of creation? It is moments like these that remind me of what a beautiful world God created. We have a Savior whose heart breaks just like ours.

I’ve found that focusing on the smaller details of life bring me hope in such seemingly hopeless times. And we are not alone. God has not abandoned us, though we may never understand why such tragedies must even be a reality. But I’ve found that God provides reminders for me, reminders that illustrate His goodness: joyful laughter with close friends, a golden sunset, abundant wildflowers. No matter how big or small these may seem, they are enough for me to remember the beauty in life. I’d encourage you to think of things that bring you joy or reminders of hope. Don’t allow feelings of despair and hopelessness to reign in your life. Yes, these are present realities, but they are not the only realities. Remember that people are just as capable of kindness and these acts occur every single day. Allow hope to reign in your life and, more importantly, remember who reigns. We are not in control and we don’t have all the answers. Instead, we are called to trust in the Lord, even when nothing makes sense, and to remain in the abounding love He has for his creation.

One of my heroes is Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner and World War II veteran. He was a bombardier in the United States Army Air Corps and survived a plane crash at sea while on a rescue mission. He and another crewmate survived 47 days in a raft on the open sea, only to be captured by the Japanese and brutally mistreated in prisoner of war camps. While many aspects of his story amaze me, forgiving his tormentors being among them, there was something he realized during his grueling 47 days at sea that especially struck me, stated in his autobiography, “Devil at My Heels.” Though he was starving and endured miserable conditions in the endless ocean, Louis recognized that life is beautiful. He was suffering and facing seemingly hopeless circumstances and yet his eyes were opened to the magnificence of this world. There is always light shining in the darkness, as cliché as it may sound. It may be a spark needing more fuel to ignite into a flame, in turn brilliantly shining through the darkness. Find joy and seek hope, for it is such a beautiful life.