Smile Though Your Heart is Aching

It has been a rough week, a really rough week.  What's been building up inside finally came out on Thursday.  Of course, that was a marathon day because of conferences.  I laid some difficult facts on the line and have a few more hard battles to go.  We'll see how next week goes.  I keep working to be optimistic.  I try to force myself to smile and keep pushing on.  83% of my day is essentially good, I keep telling myself.  But boy, oh boy, that 17% takes it out of me.  There is a countdown for the end of this, although during this storm that isn't too comforting.  I know that there are others who care and offer encouragement and there are others who are willing to take action.  I think that's about all I can say about this.

This song has been running through my mind.  It's both sad and optimistic.  That's what I am too.

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile