Life is good because of everyday moments that bring a smile or warm the heart: the flight of a bird, the melting of an icicle, the smell of bread in the toaster, the toothless smile of a child.  A few months ago, a family was driving down the road, busily chatting and laughing along the way.  The father asked his unusually quiet seven-year-old son, “Jacob, what are you doing back there?”  Jacob enthusiastically responded from the back seat, “I'm just living life!”  And that was good enough.

We can find goodness in life, if we'll look for it.  Take notice of the love and laughter of family and friends, the kindness of strangers, the beauties in nature, the special moments that bring peaceful reassurance that God is watching over us and everything will be all right.

The longer we live, the more we become aware of the sorrows and sufferings of life — and, ironically, the more we can become aware of life's beauties and blessings.

Sometimes, it takes courage to believe that life is good.  We can begin with something as easy as knowing that the sun will rise and winter will turn to spring.  From there we can trust that good will triumph over evil, that kind and decent people far outnumber those who are not, that losses truly can give way to gains.  We can hope and pray for the sweet assurance, the quiet confidence that comes to those who trust in God and do their best each day to go forward with life.  We can choose to believe that life, no matter its difficulties, really is good.