So how do we see the light around us when we seem surrounded by the darkness? A 13th century Persian poet, Rumi, once said, “What hurts you, blesses you. Darkness is your candle.” It’s a reminder that even in darkness, there is light – and what we perceive as darkness could be the light to lead us back to ourselves and one another – the light which John says, “the darkness did not overcome” (1:5). In Genesis, darkness is also a place of creation, a place out of which God created light. Even when we sit in places of burnout, feeling depleted, God surprises us with a ram, a song or a hand to lift and connect us again. When we feel we have nothing left to give, we must open our hands to receive.
During those times when the light seems dim, we can also turn to others who can listen or sit with us in the darkness. Reach out to those closest to you, but also know that others, such as counselors, therapists, spiritual directors or pastors are waiting and wanting to be with you.
This message is excerpted from “Darkness is your candle.” by Violet Cucciniello Little in the April 2020 Gather magazine.
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