Light

The sky grew dark and ominous as the sun sank towards the horizon. A stiff, arctic wind slammed the clouds into each other until the blackened sky threatened to dip into the earth and release a mixture of rain, sleet and snow on holiday travelers. Trees swayed in the distance and the cold of unlit fireplaces and unwelcome change descended into my soul. Christmas was officially over and family members were left farther behind with each passing mile.

And then the sunset appeared within dark and foreboding clouds, rimmed with fire, hanging heavy in the sky. Suddenly embers of red and orange scorched the grey until gradually, the clouds grew salmon and turned pink and lit the sky in cotton candy puffs. Soft pastels gave way to strips of baby boy blue upon which ribbons of melted gold streaked across the changing sky. Finally, darkness descended but I had been reminded that it was a forever Season of Light.

Hundreds of small lights twinkled on the solid white and unadorned Christmas tree at my father’s house. More lights netted shrubs, formed wreaths, reindeer and snowmen, and hung as icicles on houses. Yet, the real light was reflected in the glow of my father’s face when he sat at the head of the holiday dinner table surrounded by his children, spouses, and grandchildren. It was found in the sparkling eyes of the young awaiting Santa. It was felt in the warm embraces of family and friends. And it was renewed by looking up towards the heavens instead of looking down.

May 2010 bring all of us renewed hope, love, peace and joy. And if we grow weary and strength grows dim, let us look for the light with the open eyes of our hearts and allow it to guide our ways.