Pondering Summer's Light ...

Summertime! So many activities ~ so many plans ~ so much color ~ so much beauty ~ so much light. Longer days and longer evenings to enjoy.

Our summer has been filled with light & good energy! We journeyed over 1100 miles to Taos, New Mexico to visit our son who moved to this enchanted area in March. We decided to drive rather than fly. It was a long ride, but we enjoyed the ever-changing scenery along the way ... from lush green fields to rolling hills to wide open "nothingness" to mesas & plateaus to our final destination where we were surrounded by mountains. The Sangre de Christos Mountain Range encircles the Taos area 360 degrees. In the daytime, so amazing, yet at sunset its spectacular red glow is overwhelmingly beautiful ... thus I understand their name ... "Blood of Christ" Mountain Range. I just felt so small yet incredibly blessed in the moment.

In processing this experience, I have been pondering what a difference the light makes! How can we, like the mountains at sunset, reflect light and bless those around us? Here are are some thoughts and simple ways I am trying to

walk in the Light ...

Be still & know ...

Breathe in peace, release stress

Live with an open heart

Be slow to speak (a hard one for me!)

Be a present listener

Offer encouragement

Make that phone call

Do not fear the darkness

Forgive without an apology

Seek to understand

Resist judging

Give up your right to be right

Be gentle

Be kind

Be generous

Be patient

Be positive

Be thankful in all circumstances (even when it's hard)

Lift simple prayers

I hope this finds you well. And if your summer has been one of hardship and challenges, I pray that somehow, someway the Light has broken through the darkness and given you peace.

In gratitude for Summer & God's Light that shines all around us,

Marva