“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We’re experiencing some wonderful weather here in the Midwest.  Days are growing shorter, but each moment is filled with fresh, clean air – gorgeous sunrises and sunsets – colors that defy any artist’s palette – and treasured amounts of light. Seasons change and we know that winter is just around the corner.

I think we experience the same kind of changes in our lives.  There are days when the sun is always shining, and things are going along smoothly.  There are times when storms gather and seem to go on forever.  We experience the new life of spring and joy erupts in us like a dormant tulip bulb.  Our days of winter seem to last for an eternity, and we soon grow weary of the bleakness.

Light is imperative for all for all of us.  In Minnesota, many suffer from a lack of Vitamin D because of the absence of sunlight.  If we are in the dark, we tend to grope around trying to find our way.  Light can be a comfort to those who are afraid or lonely.  When God speaks of light, He’s not only referring to the physical light that comforts and guides us, but the light which flows from His Son, Jesus.  He is the delicate balance which keeps us safe – which guides us through the difficulties of life – which shows us the way to heaven.

Without that light we flounder around and stumble.  With it, we can become vigilant to the dangers around us and be confident that we will be safe no matter what. There are dangers at every turn, but we must not let our fears overtake us.  God is with us.  He is our light – our guide – our delicate balance – our ever-present protector.

“For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.  So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.” 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6