On an early morning run I was captivated by this little family of sunflowers waiting patiently for the sun to crest the mountains behind my house. I was reminded of the times in my life when I had endured months, even years of darkness. But although I was surrounded by darkness, my life was never dark . Because of my knowledge that God loved me, that he had a purpose for my life, I did not give up, I did not abandon hope. And eventually, we experienced a resurrection morning. These sunflowers reminded me that as certainly as the rising of the sun - these trials will have an end . Perhaps no moment is more joyous than when - necks outstretched - we catch sight of the first faint glimmers of hope on the eastern horizon. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."