As I began my morning rounds today, testing out how well my neuropathy compromised feet were going to cooperate today, I became transfixed by this old maple tree. Today, in the subdued light, it practically glows. Isn't it strange that, in the subdued light, you can see more of it, including the interior of the tree, better than when the sun shines brightly? In full sunlight, we can easily see the most prominent leaves, but they cast shadows that obscure the inside of the tree. But on this gray, rainy day, there are no shadows. All parts are equally illumined. As I turned around and walked to the mailbox to fetch the newspaper, I wondered: perhaps dark and gray times such as we are going through now help us to see our world more clearly, what is most important, what we truly cherish, who we have ignored, who and what has been hidden in the shadows. Gospel stories of loving one another and caring for the hurting make more sense. I still love the sunshine, but I can learn a lot from the overcast times and grow in its subdued light.
