First Monday blessing: luminescent

Season of Light.

I’ve found that the aging process affects more than flexibility, energy, and memory – light has become both friend and foe. While I require more light to read and do close work, my eyes are increasingly sensitive to the glare of commercial fluorescents and oncoming headlights.

But in this holy and wondrous season of light, I want to place fairy lights in every nook and cranny and light candles at all times of the day. I turn on the tree lights even before the coffee pot. And I find myself drawing back curtains to capture more sunlight during these shorter days – and colder nights.

Light. It means illumination, brightness, gleam. Ignite, kindle, burn.

And luminescent. What a luscious word. “Glowing, shining, or producing an impression of light; lustrous; radiant.“

Seasonal luminescence is everywhere … the glow of moonlight on the snow and candles in the window. The wise men’s star, drawn by tiny hands, shining with glitter and glue. Holiday cards and calendar art featuring iconic pictures of the Madonna and Child, a radiant glow encircling each head.

Sidewalks lined with luminaria – welcoming visitors and passersby with the luminescence of tiny lights in paper bags.

In so many ways, light brings this season to life.

Of course, people bring light too … they are called luminaries – those who inspire or influence others. Natural light-givers, if you will. Know any? That teacher who always knew you could write. Auntie Penelope who encouraged you to study frogs while your friends chased boys. The potter who lived next door and gave you full access to his clay and kiln. The pastor who listened to your questions and nodded and thought and answered. That weird curly-haired classmate in the Red state who stood up for you when you came out, or just came out as Blue.

And I had to ask myself Who do I inspire or influence? In what ways?

Perhaps the first question should be… Am I a light-giver?

In my simple paper bag of a life, do I glow and welcome? Do I light the path? Do I freely give the light of love to anyone? Everyone?

Or do I pick and choose? Illuminating only those most like me… who will repay in kind, lighting my way, loving me as I am, accepting me even when my own light is dim, and I have none left to give?

In this season of light, in this era of contention, as we ride through neighborhoods, sparkling and bright, or backroads, slippery and dark, let’s decide to be the sparks that ignite. Not gatekeepers or rule makers or judges. Not reserving our light for those most worthy but sharing it with those most in need.

As I have said many times, I do not have all the answers. Yes, I do have my own position about most controversies – and if you ask me, I’ll be glad to share. And I’ll be just as glad to listen.

But I am also completely befuddled about many of the questions that divide us, that we are determined to endlessly fuss over, that we insist must be resolved.

It’s inevitable. I will surely choose a path that others, even some close to me, who know me well, describe as “the road to destruction and chaos”. I pray, though, I will be quick to admit all of my shortcomings when – and if – the Light of the world reveals the Truth.

But right now, my lovelies, and for the next few weeks, may we find ways to overcome the candle snuffers that keep us from shining. May we grab every single opportunity to light the way for anyone trying to find ways to avoid financial, professional, relational, or spiritual landmines. May our true luminary-iousness rise to the surface, and may we become beacons for the weary world, radiant with self-less love and outrageous hope.

Season of Light. Indeed.

And until next time, I pray for you light and life and…