Living in the Pacific Northwest has its challenges. This year particularly, I find myself struggling with the lack of sunlight. I refuse to call my problem SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Labeling it “The Winter Blues” is enough. We have received record rainfall this December. I get up in the dark. Drive to work in the dark and come home in the dark. The other day, I almost missed the turn into my driveway due to poor visibility from the heavy rain.
This afternoon, the sun came out for a few moments. My husband and I jumped in the car, stopped and grabbed a hot cup of Starbucks on the way to Dash Point Park. We stood and watched the waves crash on the shoreline. How good it was to get outside for a few moments.
Needless to say, my sunlight moment was short-lived. Daylight was closing in as we started back up the hill. I felt that my attempt to lighten my winter mood had failed.
Once we returned home, I lit a fire and turned on the Christmas lights. As I looked around my warm and cozy home, I felt content. The very darkness that made me feel blue an hour ago is the same darkness that causes my lights to sparkle and shine.
I came to the realization that darkness has a purpose. Night has a purpose. Some things simply shine brighter and bigger in the darkness.
As the next few days draw to a close, I will strive to look for things that illuminate the darkness. There are other types of light beside sunlight. I simply have to find it.
“Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.”
