I was given the word “light” to focus on, learn about, and accomplish this week.

It reminds me that the mission God gave me a number of years ago was to paint light, to create light.

I looked up the definition of light. This is what I found: “The natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible. “ So light enables us to see.

Light is in direct opposition to my depression. Depression is dark and lonely. Sometimes it seems ludicrous that a God who made my brain wired toward depression would tell me to create light.

But it’s also pretty brilliant, isn’t it? If I am focusing on seeing light, looking for light, and finding it in its many forms, then I am crawling out of the darkness. Because the shadows hold very little light.

So I think my word this week was a message to me- “Enough hiding, enough feeling doubt, fear, and pain.” It was a push to get back to work. To look forward, not back. Look up, not down, and attract love by giving it, forgiving, and moving beyond selfishness. Because if I am concentrating on me alone, I’m not demonstrating light, only my own shadow.

Light is life giving. Light in nature causes seeds to sprout, plants to grow, animals to go out and find food. Humans come out of their homes and their energy increases. They smile more, interact with each other and seek out new and enjoyable experiences. 

In the winter months with less sun, plants lie dormant, animals hibernate, and people stay inside limiting social activity.

I equate light with love, truth, and goodness. In the Bible it talks about Jesus being the light of the world. I think it’s because he demonstrated how to love unconditionally, love everyone equally, and how to give all of himself. He was also very honest about what was right and what was wrong. He became enraged when he caught merchants cheating their customers. And then, as he was dying, he forgave the people who killed him.

When I first started painting, I studied nature and the characteristics of light and shadow. When light shines on an object a shadow is cast. Part of the object is in light, and part is in varying degrees of shadow. If the two exist together in nature, I guess my shadows and darkness are natural. Perhaps I need to learn to embrace both the light and shadow, instead or trying to constantly fight the darkness within me. I can learn from it. The shadows have protected me for quite awhile. 

I also need to remember I am covered in light. Just like in nature, behind every cloud the sun is still shining. When darkness falls, it is limited, as the sun will rise again. And the most amazing beauty occurs when the sun’s rays pierce through the darkest clouds. Darkness and light coexist. You really can’t have on without the other.

If light is goodness, darkness is evil. Many of us avoid going out at night, and often equate those who are active during dark hours with unlawful and antisocial behavior.  I usually avoid traveling into some areas at night because they have a reputation of being dangerous. Robberies and attacks happen there, especially in the poorly lit alleys.

But in art, I use light and darkness in different combinations to enhance an image or pattern. Without some of that contrast the painting is dull and boring. I learned early on that the lightest light needs the darkest darks to bring attention to them. 

So I think what I learned this week is that I also am made of both light and darkness. I get to choose which to share with other people. I can choose to be angry, bitter, and discouraging, casting a shadow everywhere I go. Or I can focus on encouraging those around me, celebrate when they have accomplished a goal, and cheer them up when they feel discouraged. In nature, one spark starts a flame and the fire spreads. The farther it spreads, the more light is cast and the shadows retreat, the sky is lit up. 

I know that what I focus on is what I attract. I definitely want to attract all that is good, and light, and holy. So I’m thankful to be reminded to turn toward the light in nature, mood, and  spirit. I may be tempted to run back to my shadow, but I hope that with practice I can stay in the open light for longer periods of time.