Reflect
This time of year, as the weather changes and many of us begin making plans to see family in distant corners of our states and nation, darkness is also growing. Some see this lack of light as depressing, and indeed Seasonal Affective Disorder is a documented result of this coming world-shadowing. But I wonder if there’s an invitation from our Creator in these days of dwindling light to not only tolerate the dark, but to embrace it, to find a kind of peace there.
Pray
God, Creator of the Shadows,
Sometimes I feel that I see too much, and my eyes, my soul need a rest.
Envelope me with the light of your love,
even while the hours of dark increase and the seasons change.
Remind me that you are in all places, with all people,
whether we experience your presence in what we see, hear, or feel in our hearts.
I close my eyes, and darkness falls. You are there.
I open my eyes, and light rushes in. You are there.
Amen.
Act
Is there some place that seems “dark” to you? It doesn’t have to be a place where the lights don’t come on or some sort of nocturnal destination. Perhaps it’s a friendship that has gone cold recently (or long ago). Maybe it’s a pain you need to share with a loved one, whether it’s something you’ve caused or a hurt you’ve suffered. Wherever the dark is, I encourage you to go there, because God is there too. And our God is a healing God.
