Lately I've noticed a lot of tragedy in my life and the lives of those around me. And I've noticed that the only way I've been able to deal with it is by surrounding myself with those who care for me, and I've also noticed that my friends that take the longest to heal are those who spend the most time without their friends and family. As much as I try to be there for my friends, some would rather be alone and deal with it on their own, and it hurts me to see them hurt.

A few thoughts...

Think of rain as the pain you're feeling in the moment. Think of it as something you drive through, you walk through, that no matter how fast you run or drive, it still engulfs you and makes you wet, and cold. And maybe you feel alone in that rain. Maybe you don't think it will ever stop, at least not until you're soaked to the skin. The rain is coming down until it stops, and no sooner. You don't know when it will stop, neither do I. But go and get an umbrella, or look for shelter. It will stop. Trust me. Even Noah only had to go through 40 days of rain.

Think of the rainbow as the time after the rain stops. Think of the beauty of the rainbow, how the many colors couldn't be any more beautiful if an artist drew them for you. Think of the sun, peeking through the clouds. Think of how the world is a more beautiful place because of the rain, and because of the rainbow, and how nothing can grow without rain, and how we can't enjoy pleasure without pain. Realize the rain was a temporary, though necessary, part of your life.

Don't forget your umbrella and your shelter. Surround yourself with those who love you, who can give you shelter, and warmth, and help you dry off and make it through the storm.

Make it a great day! Enjoy the rain, because after the rain comes the rainbow.

Phil Gerbyshak leads a team of IT help desk professionals in Milwaukee, WI, and finds that sharing his knowledge is a crucial component in his success as a leader and as a person. Phil's personal philosophy is paraphrased from Tim Sanders' fantastic book Love is the Killer App: "Share your knowledge, your network, and your love. The rest will follow." Read more of Phil's ideas at http://makeitgreat.org