Days of More Light

(A deep-dive conversation of this article, courtesy of Notebooklm follows)

Winter's Shadows: Longing for Light

Denese and I live in western Washington State. We moved here four years ago to be close to family, including our two grandchildren. It was a decision made from the heart, not the head. While lovely in the summer months, most of the year here is cold, damp, and dreary. Latitude indeed affects attitude in this northern corner of the country. Today, on the winter solstice, daylight won't appear until after 8 a.m., and darkness will fall again by 4 p.m. Humanly, I long for the light. I find myself repeatedly gazing out the window, seeking light in the outer world, only to meet frustration.

A Universal Truth: The Inner Journey

Master Jesus, whose birth and life we celebrate this time of year, implored us not to judge by appearances. What we perceive with our senses is but a sliver of reality—limited, finite, and incomplete. True understanding requires heart vision. As the Little Prince reminds us, “What is essential is invisible to the eye. It is only with the heart that one can see rightly.” Similarly, Corinthians tells us, “Eye hath not seen, nor ears have heard” the divine reality of being. Yet we instinctively rely on eyesight to appraise life before us, rather than engaging the insight that reveals the Light within.

The Perennial Philosophy, which underpins many of the world’s religions, asserts three profound truths: first, that there is a "light in the soul that is uncreated and uncreatable"; second, that this divine essence can be realized; and third, that this discovery is life’s real and highest goal. I have explored this inner journey—the so-called path to enlightenment—in many past writings. It is my primary spiritual focus these days. However, I realize that for many, such ideas might seem too esoteric, mystical, or impractical. What follows is a very practical and powerful practice that requires only an open heart and a willingness to serve.

Practical Light: Serving Others

Yesterday was a dark, rain-soaked day. I learned that a neighbor had discovered water on her bathroom floor and didn’t know what to do. She is elderly, single, and with scant means of support. I checked within for guidance and felt a clear message: Go and help. I discovered the source of the leak, made a quick trip to the hardware store, and, with a few tools and about half an hour of effort, resolved the problem. She was profusely grateful and offered to pay me. I declined. I had already been compensated. The weather outside remained gloomy, but I felt lighter, happier, and fulfilled.

This experience reminded me of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s insight: “It is one of the beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.” It also affirmed the metaphysical truth that “expression equals experience.” Jesus called it “letting your light shine.” Serving others is the antidote to the sense of lack that can darken our spirits. When we open our hearts and extend what we can to a brother or sister, we become the first recipients of the light that flows outward.

I have committed to this practice as a way to counter the seeming darkness. Like the days following the winter solstice, such acts of service yield more light and brighten my outlook.

I encourage you to explore this next time you struggle with needing to know God’s presence in difficult circumstances. By calling forth the love and compassion within to extend a hand to someone in need, you will find God working in you, through you, and as you. When you become an instrument of the Divine, the apparent absence of God in the outer world transforms into an unmistakable presence within. In serving others, you take your place in the divine plan of love’s expression and discover a light that illuminates even the darkest of days.

Namaste,

Rev. Larry

A Deep-dive conversation of this article created by NotebookLM