Helen Keller was a remarkable person. She fought blindness and deafness from a young age. Her courage is a powerful example for us all. Helen wrote, "Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow." The observations of this wise blind woman have deep meaning. If we concentrate on the positives of life (count your blessings, as some would say), then we will not slip into the feelings of discontent that "shadows" can bring.

There are shadows in life just as the sun causes each object to have a shadow. The shadow is not the real thing; it is only a dark reflection of the real object. It is interesting that a shadow is dark—showing a loss or blockage of light. The sunlight warms us and provides clarity of vision.

Focus on the things that are cheerful and bright, and the problems we all face will be easier to handle. It is not wise to ignore problems—they do not go away. But when we realize how fortunate we are, we enter a position where we can make decisions with the frame of mind that includes hope, faith and all things that are positive (Philippians 4:8).