So, I searched for photos of people jumping with energy and joy and the only one I could relate to was this one! I think I used to be a morning person but now when my husband calls ‘rise and shine’ I pull the quilt back over my head. To get up at the minute means facing reality and I’d rather not.

Does your immediate future look bleak or are you loving life? Do you jump out of bed looking forward to what the day might bring? Or does the snooze button on your alarm not work as many times as you wish it would?

I have hoped many times that things would be cancelled. Sadly the pandemic made that a frustrating, unsurprising fact of our lockdown life. Then I broke my hip and was literally forced to stay in. That has not been fun. Well, to my shame, I have quite enjoyed aspects of it. But the rare times I have been out, I have felt so much better. When I get up and out, I remember that we were made to live, not hide away.

That children’s song I mentioned in the title has another line that goes ‘get those children out of the muddy muddy’. Do you feel pulled down by the muck of life? Is there anything that will help you out? Apart from my amazing family and friends, I find that there is always something to help me rise again. Today it was the yellow snatches of budding daffodils. Tomorrow? Who knows!

So, if you are struggling, remember this: better things are coming your way.

Luke 1:78-79. “A new day will dawn on us from above because our God is loving and merciful. He will give light to those who live in the dark and in death’s shadow. He will guide us into the way of peace.”

I really hope that rings true for you one day soon.