No way. Do you feel like you’re out of options? Have you given up all hope of getting out of the situation you’re in?

Can be huge. Did you know that a tiny mustard seed can become a massive tree? Last week, after a while of asking and guessing, I found out what was making my wee girl so sad. It may have seemed like a nothing to an adult, but to her, it was the only thing she could think about.

At least three times, every time he has seen me in fact, my surgeon has uttered those pessimistic words: ‘you’re not out of the woods yet’. He hasn’t told me how to get out, or how to survive while I’m in there. Not great for a Wind in the Willows aficionado that’s for sure. The only way that terrified Mole could cope when he was in the wild woods was by running out of them. I’m trapped here for two years apparently.

Or, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Maybe your days are filled with rain and lemons. Maybe singing or making lemonade seem like an impossible dream.

Or don’t. I’m going to be honest with you; on this day I am finding looking over photos, starting a new calendar or catching up with social media very very difficult. My leg is still sore and my walking almost possible. My husband told me to write about what was good about 2022. I tutted.

I was thinking back over this hard year, and further to the other difficult times in my life a few days ago, and it struck me; through it all, in many different guises, I have encountered something good. My memory gets so swamped with darkness I lose sight of the light. So I thought back and made myself notice how much goodness I have seen. Even right in the middle of the bad.

By the broken parts.

Now I’m not talking about the parties, the terrible traffic, the shopping, the financial pressure, the difficult family relationships. I’m talking about the light-filled real start of it all; when God Himself came here to show us we are not alone in this dark world.

Right this minute, I am dosed up on painkillers sitting on bed thinking, how did this get so bad? You might think I’m always full of positivity. That’s not necessarily the case.

Floods of kindness rise up.

Of course I never want to learn this lesson, but it happens to all of us whether we want it or not. I would guess that you probably know what it feels like to be washed up in a tough place, looking round for some kind of rescue.

A few days ago I fell on the kitchen floor and broke my hip. It wasn’t long before people arrived to help whatever way they could. Even fellow-sufferers on the ward tried their best to spur each other on. When the chaplain arrived she found herself having to pray for me and then the other two women there! Funny how, when we’re at our lowest point, thoughts of the highest power become more vital.

I was thinking that it was easy for people to help me when I was so obviously in need. But what about those who are secretly in pain, when it isn’t as clear that they need help? Someone approached me in hospital who was grieving for her friend. Because she saw my clear suffering, she was able to tell me about hers. I suppose the rule is don’t be afraid to show you are struggling because, in a strange kind of way, it might help someone else.

Of course I wish I didn’t have to learn this particular lesson so frequently, but the overwhelming blessings I encounter along the way are so great.

I truly hope that, if you are stuck right now, somebody else will stop and see your pain.

I really hope that kindness rises up for you too, just like it did for me.