Along with yesterday’s quote I asked, “I wonder why we choose to remain in darkness.”
Have you ever made that choice? I did – for more than a decade, following a catastrophic injury, I chose to ignore the light.
I suppose an injury like that is a reason, and clinical depression explains part of it as well, but still – I KNEW the light was there. And I just couldn’t, or wouldn’t, or didn’t want to, or was afraid to, move toward it.
I tell you that because it’s so easy to judge people who decide to live in darkness, to believe they are ignorant or lacking some essential aspect of character. Or maybe, they just don’t have enough faith.
I’m sure some folks thought those things about me. I’m grateful for those who didn’t, for those who hung in there and patiently loved me while I actively tried to push them away.
Most of all, I’m grateful for grace. Grateful that Jesus walked beside me during every step of that miserable time. Grateful that the light was always there.
Maybe you been there, maybe you’re there right now. I don’t have magic answers, other than the assurance that there is a way out.
Maybe you know someone who’s there, someone you care about, someone you desperately hope will choose light. If so, please be gentle. And know there aren’t any shortcuts.
Jesus walks beside them. Let’s try to do likewise.