Beth's Ponderings
I was not going to
write about this, but it has been coming up more and more, especially in the
past two weeks, among various people I am connected with, closely and distantly.
The issue is being
happy/joyful and celebrating during these “dark times” (aka COVID 2020).
Some people feel
that it is shameful, and feel deep guilt, because they have had something good
happen in their lives that they want to celebrate, or something that they are
truly thankful for that brings them joy.
That is so wrong!
I have been told by
well-meaning people that we can’t celebrate because there is so much darkness
in the world, and we have to let others know all about that darkness.
I’m here to tell
you, people ALREADY KNOW it’s dark as there is darkness, of some form, in
everyone’s lives. Now, the darkness I
experience may not be the exact same darkness you experience, but we’re all
experiencing darkness in some way.
The most important
thing to remember is that darkness does not go away by adding more darkness - ie
figuratively turning off the lights. That
just creates darker darkness. Being doom-and-gloomy,
sad, guilty, shameful, scared, angry, or whatever mix of emotions may be
brewing, is not doing anything to change the dark at all, except create more.
Darkness can only
be removed by adding light. Even light
as small as a match flame, a candle flame, a lighter flame, or a penlight can
chase away the dark.
So, we should be
doing everything we can to add MORE LIGHT to the situation, and in particular,
this year. We should be celebrating as
much as we can, and we should totally be focusing with gratitude on the moments
and situations that bring us great joy.
Susan B. Warner
penned the following in 1864, “Like a little candle burning in the night;/In
this world of darkness, we must shine,/You in your small corner, and I in mine.” A sentiment that is still true today.
So be as joyful and grateful as you can, and share your light.
Beth
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