The Real Light

It’s the darkness. And the cold. But mostly the darkness. I know we have passed the winter solstice and the days are getting longer, but sunrise at 7:51 a.m. and sunset at 4:36 p.m. still makes for a very short day and a lot of darkness.

When I complained about it the other day, my husband replied, “There’s artificial light.”

It’s not the same. I need real light to function at full capacity. I need the sunlight to energize me. Then you add to this darkest month of the year extra tasks and responsibilities—Christmas cards, decorating, making cookies, attending events, traveling to visit family—and something has to give.

In case you hadn’t noticed, what “gave” was my blog. I haven’t posted anything since Nov. 8. Short stints away from blogging aren’t new for me, but I think this is the first time I’ve felt like I should be blogging when I wasn’t. And it’s the first time I’ve felt the darkness was to blame.

As I pondered this, I realized my lack of energy in the absence of sunlight is a perfect analogy for life without Jesus. When we try to live without His Light, we don’t function at full capacity. When we forge ahead in our own power, on artificial power, we grow weary and something has to give.

But when we bask in His great Light, renewing our energy in His Power, we can keep going. Sometimes we need to absorb His Light and rest in His grace. Sometimes taking a break to focus on Jesus is the best course of action. I did a lot of that during this brief hiatus from posting.

As we approach the new year, may you renew your strength and energy in the power and light of Jesus.