As we believe and trust in the Lord, our lives are surrounded by light, for God is our
source of illumination. I was blessed to be immersed in light and the glory of creation in a
recent trip to Hawaii. As their time is six hours ahead of us in New York, extended light was our
gift.
One of the road trips included a visit to an arboretum called the Garden of Eden. It was
exactly as one would picture that garden, exotic birds, trees, flowers, and foliage in a uniquely,
natural island setting, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
God’s abundant grace was overflowing and when we parked, there was a car just like
my husband had, reminding me the communion of saints gratefully follows us. My family got to
swim with sea turtles, as I marveled at the majesty of God’s wonderous creation. One can only
thank God, as we stand in wonder, awestruck, knowing that only a mighty hand can splash the
world with this much grandeur.
Do you find light in the simple beautiful things around us – flowers, trees, sky, singing
birds and more? What are you doing to renew yourself? When the loved one we are caring for
is struggling, it is even more important to find solace and support. God does not take a vacation
and is always listening to our needs. While we cannot fix or make things better, giving our
attention and time is our act of love. As Matthew 5:14-15 says, “You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a
bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house,” our self-
sacrificing acts shine for others to emulate.
Giving ourselves the gift of light and our own self-care is vital. Ask yourself regularly for
the best ways to care for yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Self-acceptance is a
journey. Too often we are living in the past and that saps our energy. As time passes, we find
that the clothes of the past do not fit or serve us anymore. Seize hold of the grace that is
available. It is free, abundant, and always ours.
St. Teresa of Avila wrote, “For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship
with God.” Being honest with God and how we feel through prayer, journaling and Scripture
reading will bring greater light and peace into our lives. Many of the psalms are laments and
cries to the Lord because the psalmist was suffering deeply. If you need words for anger and
disappointment, these Psalms are ones of lament - 44, 60, 74, 79, 89, 90. Along with prayer, we
lean into God’s presence. Remember what we focus on, gains the strength and the object of
our focus determines our level of peace. May light permeate in each of us!