April Showers Bring May Flowers

(Written by Josh; Level: Advanced)

　　From the golden-tipped fields of mid-west America to the ancient kingdoms of verdant Palestine, there is a happy truth to be shared with all who would take heed. In more recent times, this truth has been expressed as: April showers bring May flowers. This is a truth that promises light bursting from darkness, strength born from weakness and, if one dares to believe, life emerging from death.

　　Farmers all over the world know the importance and immutability of the seasons. They know that there is a season to plant and a season to harvest; everything must be done in its own time. Although the rain pours down with the utmost relentlessness, ceasing all outdoor activities, the man of the field lifts his face to the heavens and smiles. Despite the inconvenience, he knows that the rain provides the nourishment his crops need to grow and flourish. The torrential rains in the month of April, give rise to the glorious flowers in the month of May.

　　But this ancient truth applies to more than the crops of the fields; it is an invaluable message of hope to all who experience tragedy in life. A dashed relationship with one can open up the door to a brand new friendship with another. A lost job here can provide the opportunity for a better job there. A broken dream can become the foundation of a wonderful future. Everything has its place.

　　Remember this: overwhelming darkness may endure for a night, but it will never overcome the radiant light of the morning. When you are in a season of sorrow, hang in there, because a season of joy may be just around the corner…
　　
　　從美國中西部金色的田野，到巴勒斯坦嫩綠色的古老疆土，那些留心觀察的人共享著同一個快樂真理。近來這一真理被闡述為：四月的雨帶來五月的花。這一真理預示光明會從黑暗中迸發；剛強生自軟弱；如果你敢確信，生命會從死亡中萌發！

　　全世界的農民們都明白季節的重要性和永恒性。他們知道在哪個季節播種，哪個季節收獲，每件事都必須應時而做！雖然暴雨無情地傾盆而下，迫使所有的戶外勞作停止，但土地的主人會仰天微笑。盡管有諸多不便，但是他知道，雨會為他的莊稼帶來繁茂生長所需的營養。四月里的豪雨，會帶來五月里的繁花似錦。

　　但是這一古老真理并不只適用于田里的莊稼，它還是那些正經歷著人生磨難的人的無限希冀：一段友誼的受挫會開啟另一段嶄新友誼的大門；此處失去的工作會提供彼處更好的工作機會；一個夢想的破滅會成為美好未來的基石。萬物皆有道！

　　請謹記：勢不可擋的黑暗或有一晚，但它永遠無法阻擋清晨的萬丈光芒！當你正處于悲傷之季，請堅持住，因為歡樂的季節也許馬上就會到來……