Welcome to Winter--Celebrating "The Light" During the Darkest Time of Year

In case you spaced it, today is Winter Solstice, the shortest, most light-lacking day of the year.  I couldn't help but think how appropriate it is that at this, the darkest time of year, we celebrate the birth of The Light of the World.  How symbolic that we remember the birth of He who would save us from darkness, and through His example and teachings, light our way.  "I am the light of the world," He said.  "He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life"  (John 8:12).

A friend was telling me, a day or two ago, that she dislikes winter.  It's too dark; the days are so short, the weather so cold and dismal.  Life is often like that, too.  We feel almost like an outcast, out in the cold, seeking the warmth and light of hope.  At the risk of sounding depressed (which I am not), I want to dedicate this post to all who are feeling, or have ever felt, that life--at least in some moments--was more darkness than light, more despair than hope.

As we pass through hardships our faith in life and in God is often tried.  We long for the security we once had in those longer days of summer, when the land was fruitful and life was constantly reminding us that God was watching over His earth and over our welfare.  In the darker days of our troubles, we struggle, wondering what is happening to our plans, our hopes and our dreams.  How could a loving God allow us to suffer so much hurt when we are trying our best, every day, to follow the Savior and honor His sacrifices?   I know I have wrestled with these questions, and have sometimes felt my heart break as I have wondered why my dreams have been dashed, and my plans come to naught.  They were good dreams, they were honorable plans.  What was wrong with them?  If nothing, then why has God not honored and prospered them?  If Christ is our Savior, and we are following His example and living a good life, why can we not be spared such heartache?  Isn't it reasonable and excusable to doubt, to question our faith when we are walking in these mists of darkness and discouragement?

I have been reading a book called Byzantium*, and enjoying it very much.  Just a few pages into this lengthy tale, I came across these words:  "Never doubt in the darkness that which you believed in the light."   On our best days, when our prospects were bright, and our hopes were high, we held to the belief that God was guiding us; that Christ's example was worth following; that our life had meaning and purpose.  Are those beliefs less true now that we are passing through the darkness of a long, cold winter; or are we just forgetting what it was like to travel in the more brilliant light of His obvious watch care?  

I was blessed to receive some significant teachings, first from my family, and later from the church I joined.  Those teaching are that God will provide, and my trials are valuable experiences that can enlarge my faith as I continue to seek and follow the Light of Christ, no matter how dark and discouraging my situation might be.  If His teachings were true when I followed Him in my happiest days, they are still true in the darkness of a cold December.

I am so grateful for the birth and life of the Savior, the Light of the World.  How joyful that on this, the darkest day of the year, I look forward to celebrating His nativity.  Though I may pass through many winters during my lifetime, I am blessed to focus on Him as I approach each of these periods. I know that because of Him, I will pass through all those dismal days with His light to guide me. As I was taught in childhood, God will provide.  The Savior is always available to strengthen me, and though I may not see Him as clearly during these periods of darkness, He is still there, walking beside me--in His scriptures, in His teachings, in His example--perhaps in His very being.  He is always relevant and needed.  So, I encourage you to "never doubt in the darkness that which you believed in the light."   Truth is truth, no matter the time of year, and His Truth will provide the light you need, no matter how dark the day may seem!

*Stephen R. Lawhead, Byzantium, (Harper Collins, New York, 1996) 25.

GRATITUDE'S TRANSCENDING POWER---ON SALE

ON SALE until  January 15, 2014, e-book, 2nd edition version of Gratitude's Transcending Power.
More tips, more insights, more encouragement for using gratitude to improve your health, uplift your spirits,  and create a positive perspective.  Simple exercises and great stories to inspire you and increase your power to YES to life.  Just click on the book icon in the sidebar.

Heavy Weights and Unexpected Blessings

Isn't it wonderful when unexpected blessings come to sweeten life, and bring us joy?  When they come one after another over a period of days, that's a little awe inspiring!   I just had that kind of long weekend, and I don't mind telling you, I'm grateful for the unusual peace and joy it has given me.

I am like everyone else.  I have situations in my life that challenge me, even on my best days.  By Thursday of last week I was feeling pretty down.  Something was weighing heavily on me, and I really didn't know what to do about it--still don't.  I was feeling overwhelmed and a little defeated.   I really prayed to know what to do, and longed for a clear answer that even I could discern.  Nothing seemed to be coming, and I was getting fairly discouraged, but I kept praying.

On Friday my son was here for the afternoon and able to stay with my husband, so I went shopping for some Christmas gifts.  I found everything I needed--wonderful stuff by the way--at between 50% and 80% off--a great boon to a tight budget!  Keep in mind that this kind of thing rarely happens to me.

On Saturday I woke up to an empty fruit bowl.  Fruit is a favorite, and I found myself wishing I could sink my teeth into a crunchy apple or juicy pear.  Within the hour a box of pears was delivered to my door--a gift from a son and his wife.  Later that afternoon, my husband showered and dressed, and things pretty well under control, the phone rang.  It was a neighbor asking if I could possibly join them for a visit to Salt Lake City.  They were meeting friends for an early dinner at The Roof Restaurant, a tour of Temple Square, and then the annual Christmas Concert by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  One of the party was ill and couldn't use his ticket.  Would I like it?  Would I!!  I had 10 minutes to arrange for my husband and to get ready.  My daughter graciously consented to take her dad for a few hours, and then my son would pick him up and stay with him until I returned.

What a joyful late afternoon and evening I had with my neighbors and their friends.  The conversation was great, the food was fabulous and very gourmet, and the concert was beautiful.  There we were about 10 rows back from the stage in the Latter-day Saint Conference Center.  There was The Spirit of Christmas (British actor John Rhys-Davies), dressed in a green fur-trimmed robe, with a crown of holly on his head.  There was the character of Charles Dickens, conversing with him as they both sailed over the audience, suspended by wires, engrossed in conversation about the things that really matter, and what Christmas really means.  "How can the poor masses be so happy in their poverty?" asks Dickens.  Indeed, how can happiness be had when necessities are barely being met, or not being met at all?  The Spirit of Christmas answers the query:  It is love.  Love for others, thinking of others, caring for others.  Happiness comes as we come to know and exercise the true spirit of the season.   Thus comes Dickens inspiration for his classic novel, A Christmas Carol.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir was incomparable, as always.  Guest soloist Deborah Voigt's clear operatic voice was perfect, her renderings entertaining and joy filled.  The Christmas lights on Temple Square, the spirit of the holiday, the majestic temple, the kindness of my neighbors and their friends, and the courtesy of other visitors to downtown Salt Lake, all made for a wonderful evening, and a much appreciated--if unexpected--break from my caregiver duties!

After church on Sunday my husband and I ate lunch and, "My goodness" I thought, "something chocolate would really taste good about now."  But I had nothing chocolate in the house. Ah, me!
I had to drop some things off at my neighbors, so off I went to relieve my mind of the craving.  Guess what--she and her husband had just made chocolate chip cookies.  Before I knew it, I was holding a plate of the little goodies in my hand.  Back at home I enjoyed two of them, then took a nap.  I'd been up late on both Friday and Saturday nights, and I really needed some sleep.  When I awoke from my rest, I found myself craving a fresh orange--probably my body's way of seeking equilibrium after the chocolate attack!  I hadn't been on my feet five minutes when the doorbell rang.  It was a neighbor delivering a Christmas gift.  You guessed it--fresh oranges!

On Monday morning at 9a.m. my daughter called.  It was cold out--below freezing--and her van wouldn't start.  Could I possibly come by to get the kids and take them to school?  I was more than happy to do it.  On the way my granddaughter asked when would I be babysitting them again after school.  I didn't know, and asked her why was she asking.  "I like coming to your house, grandma."
"I love you coming to my house,"  I responded.  "I think it's wonderful that we get to live just around the corner from one another."
"I'm the one who first saw our house when it was for sale,"  piped up my grandson, wanting his rightful place, getting credit for his part in the deal.
"I know,"  I said.  "I didn't know how mommy and daddy were ever going to afford it, with daddy still in school, but a miracle happened, and everything worked out.  I'm so glad it did!"

So, that was my long and unexpectedly blessed weekend.  I'm still praying about the situation that has so much concerned me.  I still have no clear direction about what to do.  However, after the weekend I just had, I'm left with no doubt that my life is being watched over, and I am greatly blessed.  God is aware of me and my needs--even my wants.  So, whatever the resolution to my problem might be, I feel confident that it will be guided by God, and blessed by His hand. 

May your Christmas season--and every day of the new year--be blessed by the same knowledge and peace!