If you missed this from Judge Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing, then you possibly missed one of the most important takeaways.

I'm talking about a takeaway that will help you thrive despite the challenge you may be facing.

+ + The "sunrise side of the mountain"

Here's how Kavanaugh concluded his opening remarks:

I am an optimist. I live on the sunrise side of the mountain, not the sunset side of the mountain. I see the day that is coming, not the day that is gone. I am optimistic about the future of America and the future of our independent Judiciary. I revere the Constitution. If confirmed to the Supreme Court, I will keep an open mind in every case. I will do equal right to the poor and to the rich. I will always strive to preserve the Constitution of the United States and the American Rule of Law.

Consider that for a moment. We've all heard the "glass half full" or "glass half empty" debate. It's all about our perspective of the glass. Here Judge Kavanaugh is speaking to the core of who he is. And he chooses to "live on the sunrise side of the mountain." There's still a mountain. The terrain is rough. There are challenges on every side. But the sun is rising.

Kavanaugh then turns to his focus for today... "I see the day that is coming, not the day that is gone." This is a challenge (or an opportunity) we face every day. Are we going to look forward or look back? Are we thinking more about our regrets from yesterday or the opportunities of today?

Next he applies this thinking to our nation as a whole. Kavanaugh is "optimistic about the future of America." Sometimes, it's difficult to maintain optimism. It seems the partisan divide and the cultural chasm are so wide that the cracks in our nation's foundation are beyond repair. 

+ + Is there hope for America?

But are cracks and fissures in our culture beyond repair? Is America beyond the point of no return? 

I say no. I believe in the genius of this country. I believe that America is the best hope for political liberty in the world. Yes, as the late Robert Bork so clearly enunciated, our culture has been "slouching towards Gomorrah" for some time. Yes,  there is reason for pessimism. But there are signs of optimism all around us! I see them in my family. My children are way ahead of where I was at their age in their understanding of the important things of life. I see hope in my church. In my community. In our nation. 

One of my goals for Grassfire going forward is to help offer context to help us see and cultivate the "sunrise side of the mountain" in our lives, in our families, in our communities and in our nation. That's why Grassfire is organizing around our vision of "helping America thrive." That's why we are developing "thriving" resources such as my video series, Thriving 101, while we continue to speak out on the political issues impacting our day

So, where are you? Are you on the sunny side of the mountain? Are you eagerly anticipating the "day that is coming"? To find out, ask yourself this...

If our time in American history could be described as some stage of a baseball game, what inning is it, and who's winning?

Thanks for the stand you are taking!

Steve Elliott

P.S. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Please leave your comments. Thanks!