"There is a light in us that only darkness itself can illuminate. It is the glowing calm that comes over us when we finally surrender to the ultimate truth of creation: that there is a God and we are not it..."
Sr. Joan Chittister, as quoted in Richard Rohr Daily Meditation, 12/4/19
I got in and turned on my car. The familiar strains of "It's the most wonderful time of the year," poured forth. Twenty minutes earlier I would have joined in with the radio. But, after hearing terribly difficult news, the song was unbearable. I'd just learned that Chris' wife Denise's cancer had returned with a vengeance and nothing more could be done. Just like that. It's not the most wonderful time of the year anymore. We often hear about the holidays being difficult for people, but the emphasis still seems to be on the charity shown, the hope shared, the new dawn rising. But what if the new dawn doesn't feel like it's rising? What then? I think, at these times, we're called to look harder for God, who is always with us. God comforts us through our gathering with each other. God reaches us through strangers who treat us with kindness. Ever present and eager to touch us tenderly, God sends others who give us the hugs God wants us to feel. Let's be mindful of those who struggle this time of year. Pain, loss and suffering can be magnified when others are merry and we all need to try to be aware and understanding. Also, as Sr. Joan says in this quote above, we may find in ourselves a light that we never recognized before the darkness approached. That light is God always residing within us. And finally, let us look deep and wide to see God present in the people and community surrounding us as they lift us up. Oh, and thank you for praying for Chris and Denise and all who are traveling to be with them. Love, heidi
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