Shining Through the Shadows

In Wales, the sun is very hit-and-miss, especially during the long winter months. Just this morning, I noticed the blue skies and bright sun and made plans to do a little work outside. I went out and checked on my lawn chair, which was surprisingly dry. Then, I went back in to finish the chore I was in the middle of, with plans to go outside and enjoy the weather as soon as I was finished. A few minutes later, I donned my sweater, grabbed my laptop, and headed outside.  Unfortunately, by then, the sun was hiding beneath several layers of gray clouds, and the wind had picked up, giving the air a damp chill. I waited a few minutes to see if the clouds and winds would pass.  They didn't.  So, I grabbed my stuff and went back inside, lamenting the fact that, once again, I had just missed the sun.

Our lives are full of ups and downs. There are days when everything goes our way, and we feel we're on top of the world. And then there are days when it feels like the whole world is against us, and we can't catch a break. But even on cloudy days, we don't have to face the darkness alone. Because while we may excel at missing the sun, we don't have to miss the SON.

Now, I know what you're thinking. What does that even mean? Well, let me explain. You see, the SON I'm talking about is Jesus. And unlike the sun, which is subject to the whims of the weather, Jesus is always there for us. He never hides behind clouds or disappears when we need Him most.

In fact, the Bible tells us that Jesus is the light of the world—not just any light, but a light that shines in the darkness and cannot be overcome (John 1:5 KJV). That means that no matter how dark things may seem, no matter how hopeless we may feel, there is always hope because Jesus is always there, shining His light on our path.

So, how can we tap into that light? How can we ensure we don’t miss the SON, even when we miss the sun? Well, it's simple. We just have to look for Him. We have to open our eyes and our hearts to His presence. And when we do, we'll find that He's been there all along, waiting for us to notice Him.

Now, I'm not saying it's easy. Some days, it is difficult to see anything but the darkness. But I'm telling you, friends, it's worth it. Because when we turn our focus away from our problems and onto Jesus, we'll find that He's more than capable of handling whatever life throws our way.

As I sat in my now-chilly lawn chair, waiting for the clouds to pass, I couldn't help but smile. Sure, the sun had disappeared, but that was okay because I knew that even on the cloudiest of days, I didn't have to face the darkness alone. I had Jesus, the light of the world, to guide me. And that was more than enough.

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. - John 8:12