I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.
Isn’t it fun to see all the lights this time of year? There’s something about those twinkling cuties that make my heart happy. Maybe it’s the way little bulbs shine so bright against the dark night, or maybe it’s because they make the often overlooked homes, trees and light poles so beautiful.
Edward and I convinced my family to go to the most spectacular light display in all of North Texas Friday night! It’s called “Enchant” and it runs in Arlington, Texas until Christmas! Kind of a pricey activity, but once we all got there it felt so worth it. There were so many beautiful displays of lights! Sleds, life-size ornaments, white “woods” with birch trees to navigate through … it was just incredible. I loved it so much and Edward has been working so hard to make this Christmas a good one for us.
Living with debilitating pain is not easy. Especially when Texas can’t make up it’s crazy mind! Pressure changes are hard on fragile bones and joints … and most days I feel so stiff that I am convinced my 80’s have come knocking about 50 years too early. Docs always warned me about this, actually. “Limit your physical activity and you will be able to walk longer.” They wanted me on my scooter more, but I’m not exactly compliant all of the time š … so, I walk.
Oh how I wish I would have listened. They were right. My poor body broke down much sooner than I ever hoped or planned. So instead of running about this planet, doing what I want to do … I have to pick my favorites and PRAY the good Lord gives me the grace to do it.
And I can attest … Jesus is very sweet, in that way. He always pushes back the darkness in this life, to be the light of our lives.
So many people I know and love have suffered greatly this year. Heavy hearts surround us, not only in our home but in our families. And others I have always considered family. Unspeakable loss occurred to one of my lifelong best friends … okay here come the tears. Unbearable pain has happened in my own body. My in-laws’ health is declining and I watch my incredibly strong husband break down in tears, as he shares memories of Christmas-past with his family. His business has had to fight hard against those who want to tear him down, too.
How can we survive in such darkness? How can our hearts be anything but heavy?
There is an answer and He came in the form of a newborn king on Christmas Day. Jesus. He’s the only one who can rush in the light of this life. When our heads swirl searching for meaning in it all, He’s the only one holding a torch to truth. He is the ONLY ONE giving us grace to endure these heavy crosses. He’s it, my friends … hear me now. He can and will give your heart the light it needs.
When I step back from our circumstances and try to gather perspective, the first thing I’ve trained myself to do is count the things that go right, instead of the ones that have gone wrong. And I see the Lord working it out for us, lifting my spirits in a way I could never adequately describe through words. It gives me light in the darkness and hope for the future, to see all of the ways my Savior has been there with us. And it draws a smile to my tear-stained face …
He makes my heart light and I love Him so much for all He is, all He’s done.
Ask Him to hold the torch of truth into your life, this Christmas. He can and He will.
Sincerely,
Holly
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