Overcoming The Darkness

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

Thunder boomed and lightning flashed as the storm raged outside. Rain pelted the ground as once-small rivulets turned to big puddles, pooling on the ground and rapidly filling the storm sewers. Though it was morning, the storm had darkened the skies to an eerie green color. Suddenly, the lights flickered once or twice, then went out. I heard our generator grind to life a few seconds later, lights and appliances around the house beeping as they revived.

As I peered out the front windows, I noticed that our house was the only one on the block that was still lit. In the gloom, it stood out like a beacon. I glanced at the coffee mug I held in my hands, and it occurred to me that others might not have been lucky enough to get their morning cup in before the storm hit and knocked out the power.

I shot out a quick message, starting with our nearest neighbors.

“We’ve got lights. If you need coffee, you’re welcome to drop by,” I said. Luckily, most were already sipping on their own cupfuls. They thanked me for the invite, then waited for the electricity to return, which it did after a couple of hours.

Though electricity powers the lights that brighten our homes and businesses, the spiritual light we emit in the world is equally important. As children of God, we are called to shine for him in our community, our lives demonstrating who he is and serving as a beacon to all those around us. Light is powerful enough to overcome darkness, but darkness can never overpower light—it is only when light is extinguished that the darkness can take over. In the same way, the love and truth and mercy we display shine brightly in the world, an invitation to neighbors and all those around us that if they need help, it’s available.

Kristin

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Send a short message of thanks to a friend or mentor whose faith has been a light to you on your spiritual journey.