Surrounded by Light: Finding peace in the darkness

This will be a quick post as I want to give you one more story in 2020. And I need this reminder right now, too, because I’m dealing with some new health issues that make my daily life a little darker.

Last week Jupiter and Saturn were aligned so close, they appeared to be one star. In fact, many called it the Christmas Star, imagining it was akin to what the shepherds saw over two thousand years ago.

There was a limited viewing window; the planets would dip below the horizon about thirty minutes after sunset. So I bundled up in my jacket and gloves and went to the driveway.

The clouds were sparse, and I spotted the planets behind a distant treetop. I sat down on my walker and looked up.

Although it was dark, all I could see was the light.

There was an almost-full moon shining on my left. To my right was our pine tree strung with colorful lightbulbs along with matching strings along the eaves behind me. Straight ahead was the Christmas Star. I smiled and sighed, “I am surrounded by light.”

Just then, a shooting star flashed in an arc above me as if to affirm what I’d said. I felt instant peace, like I was exactly where I needed to be at that moment in time.

We all need reminders that there is light in the darkness. For me, this light is a Divine presence, a reassurance that I’m never alone in my struggles. The light can be friends or family who offer you phone calls, texts, or meals. The light can be community support groups or places of worship. The light can be a lone candle in a dark room that brings peace and mediation. Whatever form it takes, it’s waiting to light your way.

What or who is your Light?

Where do you see those shooting stars that affirm your path?

——

Last month’s Doorways:

  • I attended a virtual Christmas concert and was awed at the talented performers. I was enchanted by a violinist whom I’ve known since he was a child, and I felt blessed to have watched him grow over the years.
  • Our book club meets via Zoom, and as everyone was getting ready to leave, we invited our dogs into the frame and snapped a screenshot picture. It felt good to giggle with our furry children.

  • I witnessed a sunset that brought to mind the lyrical line “purple mountain majesties above the fruited plains” and felt grateful to have the beautiful view from my back deck.

  • I read an article about how trees in a forest are connected through an underground network of fungi. This allows the trees, even of differing species, help each other as a community. What an amazing and beautiful reminder that all of Creation is connected.
  • I woke up with the feeling that I needed to check in with a friend, and it turned out that she really needed someone. I was grateful for my inner wisdom.
  • Knowing not everyone sends holiday cards, I felt blessed to have an abundance of greetings in my mailbox this month. I cherish the friends and family these cards represent.







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