my cup runs over

I may be standing in the midst of darkness, but I see a hundred shining paths leading out.

I feel the sun begin to warm up. The ducks in the icy pond look at me with something like sympathy. My friend's sofa embraces me with peace as we laugh over memories of the blond French child I once babysat and couldn't stand.

Birds are twittering everywhere and no sound could make me more hopeful. I have a new shoulder bag in Persian blue and I can walk for miles. My phone beeps with compassion.

My fumbling hands pick up a favourite book, The Shack, and I feel loved. I may be walking through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, but goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.