The Light Never Goes Out

I am sure you  have all done the following as kids…you close your eyes outside in the evening to see how dark it actually looks.  And then you realize there is still light around you no matter how dark it may seem.  This is a good metaphor for life as well…there is never an absence of light …it may be dim or appear to fade out …but if you allow the human eye to adjust you still see light.

Years ago on a camping trip, I was walking away from the campsite on a dirt road and my flashlight went out.  It only took a moment and I had starlight…moonlight and a knowing I could navigate back to the campsite (home for that weekend) in complete safety and ease.

This time of year, it looks like light is everywhere.  Homes and buildings decorated for the holidays….trees with lights on them-candle light for Christmas Eve services or gatherings with friends.  The Menorah as a symbol of always having enough oil in your lamp even if it mysteriously appeared from who knows where.  Then there is that reminder from an earlier blog featuring Bruce and This little light of mine …to remind us we are the light as well. We can shine our own individual light into what appears dark – the darkness may feel sad or it may feel frightening or it might seem like an evil force is about…but looking more closely through any or all of those veils we can see light coming through.

One of my favorite stories of transforming darkness into light is from World War I.  A truce was formed on Christmas Eve as both German soldiers and English speaking soldiers sang silent night and lit candles and wished each other a Merry Christmas.  There is that sign again that light is always present, available and visible no matter what circumstances we are in….

If you look closely at the days you enjoy or the days you want a do over – you will see light.  If you look at the person you love and the person who challenges you on every level – you will also see light.  Before words or actions-beyond personalities and styles – regardless of beliefs or lack thereof- there is always light.  It comforts, it reminds, it accompanies peace.

We are in the final days before Christmas for those who celebrate Christmas and for others around the world- light festivals are going strong.  Winter Solstice brings an opening to the true, ever present, Light.  Watch for it this week – and be reminded you are that light as well.