Daylight Wins

Scripture
The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it…. So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son….. From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.

(John 1:4-5,14,16 NLT)

Daylight Wins

The longest day of the year dawns at 5:13 a.m. tomorrow. The lengthening of days has been a quiet encouragement for us and peaks tomorrow. The next couple of months we will relish the evening’s light and enjoy summer’s warmth with family and friends.

The days will become incrementally shorter until we are shocked by how soon the grey of evening envelops us – but the rhythms of a lifetime tell us that longer days will come again.

Last week I mentioned the “winter of discontent” in Shakespeare’s Richard the Third which was relieved by military and political victory only to be destroyed by conniving and plotting. We have had our share of discontents and discouragements, pains and losses but we live with a deeper hope that even as Nature’s rhythms keep relieving us there is a Source of justice, mercy and reconciliation that works in creation.

Jesus walked long days and struggled through dark nights in the sure and certain hope that his life would bring hope, health and healing to his Creation. We live with his presence in us giving us hope that light is revealed in the darkest places.

A Prayer for Today

God of the longest day, may my life be a long day for you, always reflecting your light, open, awake. …. For Jesus’ sake.   (Celtic Prayers for Life Today Ray Simpson)