LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS— A WINTER REFLECTION By Theresa McHugh

Light in the Darkness
The ways of winter have descended upon us. I can’t honestly say I have ever embraced this season. Armed with a snow shovel, ice melt and the mandatory “storm snacks” we have braved these dark and extraordinarily frigid temperatures. The countdown of the clock adjustment to a much anticipated “spring forward” seems so far off. And, by the way, if anyone has seen that groundhog, can you send him to me, I have some thoughts to share.
I have come to realize that these seasonal shifts are wonderful opportunities to pause and evaluate patterns and things in our lives that often operate without a second thought. Straight up monotony somedays. Makes it more difficult to see the light peering from the darkness. It can be a time to take inspiration from the beauty and stillness in our environments. I always appreciate a vibrant sunset but there is something quite magnificent in the winter sunsets this season. They seem longer in duration and have produced such a vivid array of colors, no two evenings are alike and they are always awe inspiring. A true moment of DeColores!
I crave that connection to the last light, a final incredible burst to slowly close out the day. In that moment I feel the presence of our God and take comfort in His dominance over all living things. In Psalm 19:1, the Psalmist sings, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” How awesome that I can witness this each night, if I choose to. And that is the key- God has gifted me the freedom to choose. It is my choice whether to hibernate in the darkness or seek the light.
Having done my fair share of hibernating, I am intentionally choosing to see and be the light this season. Sometimes it takes great effort but I remember what is written, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
I was recently reflecting on the first winter I had spent in Canada. Fully immersed in a culture of preparedness, I quickly found out that they don’t shut much down and the day goes on with little interruption. The whole winter season is one big snow and wind storm that lasts from early November until April or later. I originally thought it was their resilience but discovered it was all choice. I learned a lot about myself in that stillness. I learned to appreciate and nurture the light I carry within myself and the importance of being part of a community to share that light with. It was also a much-needed reminder to set aside time to rest, recover, and renew in preparation for the longer days ahead. I was surprised in the places and people I found this light-from going curling for the first and last time, ice fishing (yes, in a little hut on the lake), neighbors taking turns grocery shopping for each other, clearing the snow off random cars just because you can and it is a kind gesture. Yes, Canadians are kind to the extreme. I felt that connection to the presence of God expressed by other people.
But, in the end it is all choice. We all have the freedom to choose how and with whom we spend the times of darkness we experience. We each have moments where we choose between light and darkness. I  quickly thought of what Jesus taught us in Matthew 5:14–16, “You are the light of the world.” How can you choose to carry the light to another this week?
Enjoy the sunset.
DeColores