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Sometimes a child instinctively knows the right words to say to make you feel good. But I’m always shocked at the wisdom and spiritual insight they may exhibit, even if they aren’t aware of it.

As I looked at the photo that my son sent me on Sunday, my heart sank. High winds had blown their large oak tree over, and it rested on both of their cars. Their roof and fence were also damaged.

As our son, Adam arranged for the cleanup—tree removal, tow truck, and car rental—Dan and I played “Go Fish” with our grandchildren, Zach and Jill.

“I’m glad the tree fell down in our front yard.” Zach explained, “Because you and Pop came over and played cards with us.”

I laughed, responding, “Well, we can come over anytime and play cards. We don’t have to wait for another tornado!”

Zach’s sister, Jill, responded, “Well, I don’t like it! My tire swing was in that tree.”

“Sorry about your swing, Jill. Maybe your dad can salvage it and move it to the back yard.”

When Adam walked into the room, I told him what Zach and Jill had said.

Blessing. We both laughed, and Adam said, “Well, I guess that’s a positive way to look at it.” Then, he made a joke about have a lot of firewood now.

I kept thinking about how odd it is that we all have different ways of looking at a crisis. Some go into their problem-solving mode, like Adam and Dan. Others focus on what they’ve lost, like Jill. And a few look for the blessing after the storm has passed.

I have to admit, although the storm caused damage and even deaths in other states, I’m grateful that we can expect positive results following every storm we encounter.

Promise. I’m most grateful for God’s promise to always be with us—before, during, and after every storm. In fact, Jesus promised, “I’ll be with you . . . day after day after day, right up to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20 The Message).

What blessings have you discovered after a storm?