It is early morning here. Soon the sun will rise and bring with it all the noise of life, but for now it is dark and quiet.

I am sitting with a burden of sadness for some who are sorrowing, others who are fighting fierce battles. Heaviness pushes down, and the challenge to cast it on Jesus seems impossible just now. But the invitation is there, so I press up longingly.

Some days just have more shadow than light.

My grandson is fascinated with the sky, especially the moon. He looks for it each time we go outside, and I’ve been surprised at how often we can see it during the day. In all my years I had not noticed.

White crescent against blue sky.

I’ve only looked for it in the black of night, loving its glow and needing its light.

I guess our darkest nights are places where we can reflect the light of God most wondrously.

I wonder if saints in glory view each past affliction as a beautiful opportunity given to learn of Him and stretch out hands of faith to Him. To display His grace and glory. To exhibit peace that could not be explained or understood.

I imagine they see their earthly trials as glorious gifts to lay at the feet of Jesus.

It’s all part of faith to know His presence when we cannot see His light. To set our face toward eternity with courage and purpose when it feels like we are stumbling blindly.

It’s part of faith to believe in His promise, to follow wherever He leads, to wait patiently in our struggle and fear.

It’s part of faith to shine on in the night.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16