Darkness & Light

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I read this prayer today in a devotion I have that uses Franciscan prayers and quotes from St. Francis entitled Holy Fool Prayer Book: 

 "I don't know what I'm doing half the time, Lord, but I know right now that I want to do for You today, whatever I am supposed to do. Show me please."

 I feel like this is a season in my life when I need this prayer more than ever before.  

 As I prepare to step into Advent, I find myself struggling to know how to move forward exactly.  Things are different for my family and I this year.  Many of the traditions and celebrations we've always held dear will be bittersweet now that mom is not with us to share them.  

 It's almost as though we are still traveling through the Valley of Shadow, but now there are occasional bursts of light as the sun pierces through the gloom now and again.  

 In the same way, we perceive Advent as a season when we are reminded that the Light has come into the Darkness--even when we struggle to see where the Light is shining from time to time.  

 Fredrick Buechner once wrote: 

 "Maybe those are the words that best sum up the paradox of who we are and where we are.  Somewhere between the darkness and the light.  That is where we are as Christians.  And not just at Advent time, but at all times."

 May you truly find the courage to seek the Light even during this shadowy season of waiting.  May you be filled with defiant hope and reckless joy.  And may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and always. Amen. 









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