If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you'll never

Hear, O children of the ages, the voice of Morris West, the teller of stories and the seeker of wisdom, who declared: “If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you’ll never enjoy the sunshine.” In this truth lies the lament of those who let fear bind their souls, who keep their eyes fixed upon the shadows of tomorrow, and in so doing, miss the golden light of today. For life is not meant to be lived only in dread of what may come, but in reverence for the beauty that already shines before us.

The origin of these words comes from a man who knew the weight of uncertainty. Morris West, the writer of novels that grappled with faith, doubt, and the destiny of humankind, had seen war, turmoil, and the fragility of human life. He understood that the storm—symbol of suffering, loss, and misfortune—would surely visit every life. Yet he also knew that if we spend all our days preparing for disaster, tightening our hearts against pain, we lose the radiant joy that each moment of sunshine freely offers. His words are not idle poetry, but a summons to courage and presence.

Behold the nature of fear. It whispers that a storm is always near, that joy is dangerous, that happiness cannot last. Thus men live as prisoners of their own dread, guarding themselves against blows that have not yet fallen. They build walls so high against sorrow that the light of sunshine cannot enter. And in their zeal to avoid pain, they also avoid delight. Yet life, like the seasons, is a dance of rain and sun, of shadow and light. He who embraces both shall know wholeness; he who waits only for the storm shall know only emptiness.

Let us turn to a story, carved into history. During the Second World War, when bombs fell upon London and the skies were heavy with smoke, Winston Churchill would walk among his people. The sirens wailed, the storm of destruction was very real. Yet in the pauses between raids, Londoners gathered in music halls, sang songs, and laughed together. They chose to taste the sunshine even as the clouds threatened. This courage of spirit gave them strength to endure. Had they only cowered, waiting for the next strike, their souls would have withered before the city itself was broken. Here is the truth of West’s teaching: joy seized in the present is a shield against despair.

So remember, O listener, that storms will come, as surely as night follows day. Illness, grief, failure, and death are part of the journey. But they are not the whole of it. Between the storms lie vast fields of sunshine, moments of love, laughter, beauty, and peace. To ignore them out of fear is to deny yourself life itself. For who among us can stop the rain from falling? Yet who among us should refuse to lift their face to the sun when it shines?

The lesson, then, is plain. Do not waste your years in anxious waiting. When the storm comes, meet it with courage. But when the sunshine graces your path, embrace it fully. Drink deeply of the joy offered to you, without guilt, without hesitation. To live only in preparation for sorrow is to die without ever having lived.

Practical wisdom shall be your guide. Practice presence: in every meal, in every song, in every embrace, notice the light of joy before it passes. Refuse to dwell endlessly on what may come, for tomorrow is a shadow, but today is a gift. Balance prudence with gratitude: prepare for hardship, but do not let it steal your peace. And when storms arise, remember that after their fury, the skies always clear, and the sunshine returns.

Thus let these words of Morris West be etched upon your heart: “If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you’ll never enjoy the sunshine.” Choose, then, not to be a prisoner of fear, but a child of light. For the storms may test you, but it is the sunshine that will sustain you.