Darkness and Light

I found myself sitting beneath a canopy of trees and the deepening sky of late evening around the dwindling campfire. Embers glowed hot and white, lightning bugs sparkled whimsically through the trees and Emily climbed into the hammock.

A book in my lap and a candle lit on the weathered picnic table and all I could think about was how cozy this felt. Completely at peace and rest, comforted by the small glowy lights of deep blue sky going to sleep for the night and the warmth of both fire and candlelight.

Sitting alone but not feeling alone, it is hard to describe.

The next morning, I read 1 John 1:5-7 in my Quiet Time:

"This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."

It doesn't take much light to stand out in the darkness - notice the little bit of light in the sky and the little candlelight in the night. But I am encouraged because God is light and there is no darkness in Him! Light beckons and welcomes, it is warm and inviting, comforting and an acknowledgement that someone else turned the light on or lit the candle in advance.

For further thought: Am I allowing any darkness to hinder my fellowship with Him? Consider the phrase practice the truth, how do I practice the truth?