We are living in difficult times. We have been feeling helpless to change our circumstances and have reacted to that in different ways. Some people are fearful or have lost hope. Others want to save or change the world. Still others want to bring God’s judgement down on an evil world.

During this time Bob and I have continued to live a quiet life feeling protected by God. But I have to admit that I have sometimes felt that I should be doing something. When I seek guidance on what is mine to do I get the same response I have been getting since we moved to the lake seven years ago. Shine your light.

It has been hard for me to not get caught up in the outrage and moral indignation so present in the world right now. But I know if I do that I become a part of the problem, not the solution.

What matters during difficult times is how we live. This is the time to be getting ourselves centered and grounded. To live the presence of God in this world. Not to bring judgment or to destroy those we see as evildoers.

To change the world, we must first change ourselves. That is how real, substantial change happens. One person at a time. Each of us living as a kind, gentle, loving person, strong in our identity as a child of God, living life and using the gifts we have been given. Living in and as the light of God.

Join us this month as we focus on living as light.

What has been your greatest challenge during the time of pandemic and political and social unrest? Please feel to use this as a journal prompt or respond in the comment section below.