Hate evil and love good and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord the God of hosts will be gracious. Amos 5:15
 
Live as children of light--for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Ephesians 5:8-9
 
As children of God, all of us are children of the light. It is a blessing that that is beyond compare; however, all of us have times when we cannot appreciate this blessing. We turn away from light and dwell on the darkness that exists in our world. It is a downer to hear bad news, whether it is personal, such as dealing with a health issue, or of a general nature, such as watching the difficult news of the world.
 
Last week I'd had about enough of bad weather! Of course, I live in Minnesota and only need to wait a day or two; the weather will change. Sunday morning I opened the shades and was surprised by the beauty of the sunrise. Seeing it sent me looking for my phone camera and immediately improved my mood. Many of life happenings are far more impacting than a change in weather, and it is most difficult to "let go and let God." God knows our every weakness and awaits our return to his light which brings sunshine back into our lives and hearts. 
 
"Every storm runs out of rain," is a saying attributed to Maya Angelou. She knew. May each one of us be children of the light that is found in all that is good and right and true. May knowing that God is there to help each one of us bear any load impacting our lives give us the peace that passes all understanding. May God's light shine on all who need food, safety, medical care, attention, advocacy. He knows every care and loves us with a love beyond compare.
 
Dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,
Thank you for for making us children of your light. Help us return to your light when we have times of preferring darkness. Lord, you shine light light on your children's darkest times. Let us never forget that. Please shine your light on all who face needs only you can know. Help us to respond to the needs of others. Amen.
 
Florence Smallfield    
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