For the time being, I’ve adopted Prayers of Examen in the morning and most nights. My morning prayer begins with a request for illumination, which could mean a request for clarity, for wisdom, for light, for revelation. To be honest, in continuing CovidTide, I’ve not felt that much of any of this is happening, actually, quite the opposite.
The Solstice brought with it the chance to see “The Conjunction,” the near alignment of the planets Saturn and Jupiter, a phenomenon that many have said happens only hundreds of years apart. In our piece of New England, clouds have not allowed to view this happening, just another 2020 disappointment. On my third evening of seeking this sighting, however, I was met with a spectacularly colorful sunset. I’ll take it.
Christmas lights bring me great joy, and oddly enough, it’s the reflection of those lights in my home and in other places, that bring me the greatest joy. Not the straight-on lights themselves, but their windowed or mirrored illuminations, muted, softened, and somehow magnified. That’s where and how I feel their power.
This has been an Advent like no other in my lifetime, and this will be a Christmas like no other in my lifetime. I am one of the blessed and lucky ones; with enough of everything. CovidTide has shone a searing light on so much we’ve chosen to ignore for so long. And although it seems and feels as if we’re walking in the dark, the searing brightness of what we’ve seen and been through may provide light and heat enough for breakthrough.
Maybe we’re the reflections, maybe we share illumination enough. Enough to keep the light aglow. Enough to light the way for those to come.