Our half-yearly change of the clocks - Spring forward, Fall back - is nearly upon us. On Sunday October 25th, it will get dark at around 5pm. Our daylight hours will feel all too brief! Do you enjoy this seasonal shortening of our days? I am OK with this. It does make it harder to fit in a daylight walk, but - actually - I don't mind walking in the dark. There is something special about noticing more with my ears than my eyes. I do know though that some of my friends and neighbours struggle with the lack of daylight in the autumn / winter months. A torch on their mobile phone or a lamp in their room is not enough to dispel the feeling that the darkness is closing in on them. Natural light is essential to our wellbeing. It is perhaps why Jesus said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'
Jesus is the one to rely on when it feels like life is crowding in on us. He can be our light of hope in our darkness. He can show us where there is joy and light in our darker times... the welcoming smile, the comforting hug or the listening ear of a friend who understands us... a child or grandchild who invites us to join in their playtime or make believe... a soaring red kite or captivating bird song. Light is there to be seen. We simply need to take the time to notice and give thanks. To realise that God is with us in every season of our lives. He can guide us through the darkness.
May you find sources of gentle joy and warming light in autumn and winter's darkness.
Light of the World,
you stepped down into darkness,
opened my eyes, let me see
beauty that made this heart adore you,
hope of a life spent with you.
Tim Hughes (2000)
God bless,
Revd Katrina