As September begins, a change in the slant and intensity of light is already visible. The brightness of spring and summer diminishes as the earth slowly inches toward fall.
This year has been different in many ways. Imbedded in the usual carefree nature of summer lurked fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. We long for change, but want that change to be comforting and somewhat familiar.
Despite the difficulties of this year, the vibrancy of nature and the warmth and comfort of light have provided encouragement and fueled forward motion.
Following are thoughts on the power and quality of light:
Reflective
One of the glorious aspects of nature occurs when the grandeur of a majestic mountain range reflects on the smooth surface of water. This type of mirror image mesmerizes and delights. In a lesser form, the reflection of sparkling swimming pool water on the canopy of trees above has been a source of peace and relaxation for me since childhood.
On a personal level, reflection comes when we pull away from tasks and tensions and embrace quietness. In those moments of stillness, revelation comes. Sometimes, upon reflection, we see areas in our lives that need change. Other times, we gain wisdom, understanding, or a creative spark that propels us forward. Whether visual or introspective, reflection defines and illuminates.
Prismatic
When my children were young, they enjoyed watching the classic movie, Pollyanna. In one scene, Pollyanna and a friend remove dangling prisms from lamps and string them across a window. As light refracts through them, multi-colored rainbows form on the walls. Her efforts cheer and endear a man entrenched in curmudgeonly attitudes.
Right now, in a climate of divisiveness, negativism, and violence, we could all use a little dose of Pollyannaism, an infusion of prismatic light to delight and bring peace. You might not have access to prisms you can string around a room, but your positive perspective and encouraging words can bring light and hope to those around you.
Translucent
One of my favorite times of day is just before sunset, when the buzz of activity drops a notch and light beams filter through the trees or spread across the water at the coast. The bright orb of light hangs on the horizon, shimmering, pulsing, and then slowly disappears. The opaque remnants of light paint the sky with purples and blues, transitioning to coolness and rest.
Defused light is calming, soothing. Similarly, the strife around us defuses when we take a step back from confrontation, ponder, process, and wait.
Illuminative
On my desk sits a tiny framed print of one of Thomas Kinkade’s winter scenes, “Deer Creek Cottage.” The warmth emanating from the windows of the cottage draws you in and makes you want to go and stay at this idyllic location, if only for a while. Kinkade mastered a unique form of illumination in his paintings that earned him the title “Ambassador of Light.” His works convey a feeling of warmth, inspiration, and peace that many long to attain.
In recent weeks, social media has been flooded with vibrant, multi-hued sunsets and sunrises, reminders that God is the creator and master of light. Now, more than ever, we need to recognize and enjoy the gift of light and the role it plays in our lives. Spiritual truth is synonymous with light. By opening minds and hearts to God and seeking his wisdom, we illuminate our life in ways no training or form of education ever could. Decide today to live in the light.
The Lord is my light and my salvation—Whom shall I fear? The lord is the refuge and fortress of my life—Whom shall I dread? Psalm 27:1 AMP
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is a writer, blogger, speaker, and freelance editor. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving beyond difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotionals published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House) and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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