Living in the times that we do, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the immense challenges, conflict, and downright craziness that we seem to be experiencing across the world. It’s easy to want to turn it all off, batten down the hatches and just try to pretend it isn’t happening.
This is not to mention of course that on top of these worldwide problems, or maybe because of them, there are many people struggling with much more immediate and personal challenges, which could, by themselves, reduce us to a feeling of just needing to trudge on day to day, doing our best to just get through.
Sometimes wherever you look it feels like there is an encroaching darkness that we seem powerless to confront, and it can inspire in us a primeval fear that can eat away at hope and optimism.
Yet, as I was reflecting on this the other day it struck me that darkness is an opportunity for light to shine. I once again was reminded that without darkness we would not even notice light existed so, looked at through the right lens, darkness is an opportunity.
We live in a world full of opportunity, and wow, do we need the light to shine.
I think in this situation, as in most others if truth be told, light is synonymous with love, which in itself is synonymous with wisdom and courage.
I am sure, in fact every now and then you hear and see it (even amidst the devastation in Gaza), there are those in every situation who have light and are shining it. In fact I think that in reality most of us have light, but as is often the case, because we may feel we only hold a little of it we don’t realise its power.
We’ve become intimidated by the fact that those we see as having power are those who are seeding darkness – yet in fact they are few compared to us, it’s just that we have allowed them to become raised up.
I am sure there are those who have light in Hamas, I am sure there are those who have light in Russia, I am sure there are those who have light in the leadership of Israe. I am sure in every country across the world there are those who have light; sufficient even so that if we start to admire the light, rather than fear the darkness, there are enough to help us reduce and manage the potentially terrible impacts of climate change on our world.
There are many who are lost in the fear and darkness and who, at the moment, can only see and feel anger, loss and hatred – they need light and love as much, if not more than anyone. So shine on, wherever you are.
There are many of us too who have enough wisdom to know we need to hang on, but too often rather than letting the light guide our way, we are grasping at the straws of our current and previous existences. We need to take the courage to let go and follow the light to the raft or boat that is within reaching distance, if we would just recognise it for what it is. Life changes and we need to too.
This is not a call for revolution, or even radical change, it is me shining a light on the opportunity that exists. Look for the light rather than the darkness, then shine with it and eventually the darkness will become merely a shadow behind us.
Tales of the Universe 
As always, very thought provoking, Share. I’m reminded of Leonard Cohen’s poem:
Ring the bells that still can ring,
Forget your perfect offering,
There’s a crack in everything,
That’s how the light gets in.
Thank you Judy. Leonard was certainly an amazing and insightful poet and that is beautifully put
Share