We all know it’s ideal to be thankful, to remain positive, and to show appreciation to people around us. It’s not that difficult as long as things are going okay, or when you wake up to the sound of birds and see a breathtaking sunrise, such as happened to me this morning.

But what about when things go wrong and all is awry?—When you are going through a heartbreak, a disappointment, a sickness, or some traumatic experience?

Just the other day I was talking with a dear friend about this topic and asking him how he copes with the darker side of life. His simple but amazing answer was:

“I love the winter just as much as I love the summer.”

Wow, brief and to the point.

Truly, even the most beautiful things have a shadow, or they wouldn’t be real. The darkest moment of the day, which is right before the rising of the sun, contains seeds of new life and rebirth.

I can’t honestly say I jump for joy when things go wrong, despite my outward calm disposition. It takes me a while to appreciate the dark moments, the winters, and the disappointments. I would prefer everything to be always clear and sunny for me, for my loved ones and for all mankind, but I forget that even the clouds add much beauty to a perfectly blue sky.

The poet Percy Bysshe Shelley wrote: “Our sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thoughts.” For sure, many famous and touching songs have been written during or after moments of distress; masterpieces have been painted through tears, and countless poems touch our hearts because of the bittersweet messages and emotions they communicate to the reader.

That to me says a lot about the importance and fruitfulness of “winters.”  And I find great comfort in these beautiful promises from the Bible: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2–4 NIV). “The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10 NIV).

There’s beauty and value in every season of life. It’s simply up to us to notice it and appreciate it.