Seen by God alone

 Be our circumstances what they may, 

we too can live each day trying to find our finest hour.

Our finest hour will seldom be found on smooth paths or sunny days.  But when circumstances force us to walk in darkness, we can be like the shimmering snowflakes that reflect whatever light they receive.  Searching for our finest hour means realizing that our circumstances don't define us; rather, it's we who give meaning to life's circumstances.

For some of us, our finest hour may come with the world watching, and with loud applause for our effort and preparation.  Most of us, however, will find our finest hours in more quiet moments.  Your finest hour may come as you care for loved ones whose condition prevents them from acknowledging your efforts.  Your finest hour may be found as you stand up for what's right, or as you seek the happiness of a wayward child, or as you show uncommon compassion to a stranger.  It may come in the midst of anonymous service, when your work is seen by God alone.

As we each seek our finest hour, life will callous our hands with work, enlarge our hearts with trials, and stain our cheeks with tears.  What life requires of us matters very little in comparison to what we'll become as a result of all we feel, experience, and endure.

When we overcome our trials and reflect whatever light our circumstances offer, we live each day in pursuit of our finest hour. 

Lloyd D. Newell