During the Second World War, there were days when the future looked bleak and dismal. Winston Churchill stated: “For myself I am an optimist—it does not seem to be much use being anything else.”

Good point—as long as optimism contains the right amount of reality. We are advised to count the cost before we embark on an adventure (Luke 14:26-33). Churchill was a realist as well as an optimist. His point was that dwelling on gloom and doom is a drag on success and action.

It is said that if we want men to reach a far and distant shore, we must first teach them to build ships. Optimism is the goal; realism is the knowledge and understanding that ensures our safe arrival. It is good to be a real optimist.