We're commanded to look on the positive side

Most people have heard of Pollyanna. She always found the bright side of every situation. Some have accused her of “sentimental rot.” I’ve seen ridiculous pieces of writing and skits depicting extreme responses to extreme circumstances. Such as the time Pollyanna took her pet salamander for a walk, and it broke free from its leash. She did not despair but believed it would find its way home. Two days later she skipped out the front door and down the driveway. She found the pet squashed by a car in the street. It turned out fine after all because the weather was perfect for the funeral. I confess her example isn’t so funny, but in many of the others I did see the humor and laughed.
I have heard and discussed how we’re supposed to “find the good” and “realize that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord.” It’s a fine line to be sure. When we are faced with extreme circumstances and just say, “It’s all right,” seems ludicrous to a non-believer. They don’ find any comfort at that time in the seemingly meaningless words. Do we find comfort? Do I?
Yes, I do. It’s not that there isn’t pain. I would avoid the pain if I could. God is trying to grow us to be more like him. He does allow us to go through trying times. It helps us grow if we trust and follow him. Haven’t the greatest growth spurts in the Church been at the hands of persecution? When our circumstances are impossible and all choices are impossible, it’s time to trust God. Choosing joy over anguish shows where our trust is. Perhaps they’ll ask, and I can tell them where my hope lies. Ultimately, we will know and see the big picture. It’s hard to explain a spiritual concept to someone who isn’t spiritual. What they see as sentimental rot, always Pollyannaing, is my way to trust God in all and with all. I guess I still have more questions than answers. How do I show another where my trust lies. We’re commanded to be rather than do. I need all the help I can get.