Have you ever had the pleasure of lying on your back, gazing up at the sky and contemplating the clouds? They constantly change color, shape, and size. Sometimes they are puffy and white, floating around in the blue sky in dazzling whiteness. Suddenly and without warning, they transform into grey angry storms capable of producing lightning, thunder, and nature's vengeance. We admire their beauty and power. The storm quickly returns to its peaceful state, and the clouds float past without a care in the world.

Our lives can be like the clouds as we learn techniques to cope with whatever circumstances arise. Like clouds, we can learn to adapt to our surroundings and even thrive in life's storms. Our true potential is revealed not in the calm days when our world is free of problems, but in the inevitable storms of life.

When we allow frustrations and problems to determine how we feel about life, we frequently feel defeated and hopeless. When we take advantage of the opportunity to develop resources that will help us weather those storms, as well as to find the inner strength to overcome them, we can face them with a renewed determination to grow through them rather than being defeated.

The key to developing this inner strength is to recognize that, just as a thunderstorm passes, so do the difficult situations we face in life. Every situation we find ourselves in will only last a few hours, days, or perhaps even minutes. With patience and perseverance, we can ride the storm and reap the benefits, just as the earth does after a storm.

Maybe you're in a tough situation right now. It could also be the result of a potential failure, such as a bad choice or decision. The key is to understand that you have the resources to deal with the situation. You can learn and grow from your mistakes. A baby learns to walk by falling over and then standing up again. As adults, we must sometimes learn from babies and take risks in order to grow stronger.

As for me, one of the best ways to deal with life's ups and downs is to look above and realize that you have a Father who sees you, knows you, and loves you deeply. And with that, the knowledge that "This too shall pass" brings comfort. I also find comfort in the inspired words of the Bible, such as 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, which talk about troubles being temporary. "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."

So, dear friends, as you navigate life's seasons, whether in joy, fear, or despair, remember to look above.