LIGHTS IN THE DARKNESS

I haven't written a blog post in some time now. 

Life has been coming at me pretty fast from the start of November until, well, it still is.

If you know me personally or follow my Facebook posts, you have an idea of what I'm talking about. 2020 was hard in so many ways, which I won't rehash month by month. But things took another bad  turn in November when Brian was diagnosed with bladder cancer. There is a path forward, one we are in the thick of now.

We are nurtured and loved daily by so many people from all locations of time and space in our lives who send uplifting texts, emails, cards, calls and even a pie, a DVD set of Brian's favorite movie, a care package of gifts, a book about cancer, a cancer cookbook, and most of all, we will both tell you, so many promises of prayers on our behalf.

Due to our nation's division, one would think there are two banks of people in this country, each side in bitter hatred of the other. It hurts my heart. Hate is of Satan. When I'm actually AROUND people -- I see more kindness, extra measures of polite greetings and banter than ever -- and I well know I'm talking about people with deep political differences. Hate is a liar.

When we look each other in the eye, and not lash out with hurt and sarcasm and awful stereotypes  on social media, we see each other as largely wanting the same things in life: Love, acceptance, security. Peace. Happiness. A voice.

I will not fan political flames. I have my own views, make no mistake. But one spark ignites an onslaught of rhetoric and link sharing that I cannot deal with, won't deal with. Not on my social media pages. I love people. I love them even when they think differently than I do. It is their right. It is my right. Let's just be kind. Let's have a cuppa something together and talk about our views in person. With a mask. Socially distanced. But not hurl them like weapons.

Life is really hard right now on all of us as we fret over our nation and our people. And those in our own homes with challenges.

Brian and I have sought light for the past couple months in so many ways -- spiritually, physically, and emotionally. We find it. The photo above? It's of the fake ficus tree in the corner of our dining room where the lamb-decorated Christmas tree sat for six weeks. Yesterday a friend from New Castle posted that she was thinking of getting a ficus tree and stringing lights on it. I took this photo and sent it to her. We're not the only ones seeking light.

Brian asked me the other day if we have plenty of candles for this winter. Little-known fact about BC, the guy loves scented candles. We burn them liberally all winter and sometimes in the summer too. I told him we had plenty, and he said, "Good. I'll need them."

Light in the darkness. Is it any wonder, I ask my Christian friends, that Jesus is called the Light of the World?

We're wired for light. And for loving one another.

So this is just a little hello. Peace be still, everyone.

​I wish you light and Light this winter.

Battery-powered candles and frosted pinecones with Grandma Jobe's dishes.