It was mostly cloudy and rainy during our holiday in Donegal last week. As we travelled home yesterday I asked my usual question, ‘what were the highlights?’. Silence. I realised I couldn’t think of any either. Not a good sign. Then I heard that not only had my in-laws’ flight home been cancelled but their luggage hadn’t arrived back when they did

I’m sure everyone has tales of worse holiday disasters. On the wettest day, after me saying there was no point going anywhere, we found ourselves travelling through lashing rain and grey countryside to a deserted beach we’d never been to before. As I sat in the car, I watched my dog tearing around, having so much fun it took a while to get her back on the lead. Even though I didn’t experience it, the rest had had a wet but enlivening time. That, now I think of it, was the best day.

I am well aware that sometimes it is impossible to see anything good when life can be so hard. Eventually my son said it was a relaxing holiday even though the weather wasn’t good. I also remembered that sunny days mean realising I can’t get down to the beach to swim so the rain actually meant everyone was inside with me.

So when the rain pours and you are stuck indoors, look around you and enjoy the company. Or a good book.

I challenge you to find something positive, even when life is bleak. That fight for positivity can bring sunlight to you, even on the rainiest of days.

‘Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.’

Psalm 139v12.