STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

The Parable of the Solar Lights :

Listen! Those who have ears, listen! A woman wanted to light a border around her yard. The woods that surrounded her backyard were dark and foreboding. It was frightening at night, so she went and purchased six solar lights from the local hardware store.

With care, she pushed each solar light into the soil. Throughout the day, the sun charged the little solar cells. When night came, the solar lights turned on automatically. Although each light was small, together they formed a line of light. Like the function of a child’s night-light, the solar lights brought the woman comfort and courage to face the darkness of the night.

A Question to Ponder:

Where could you use a little light to push back your fears and insecurities?

STEP THREE: PRAY

Gracious God,

sometimes the night is scary. Darkness hides things. We can’t always see a clear path. Fear enters our hearts and we shut down. Shine your light of love in our night. Brighten the space around our hearts so that we might find the wisdom and courage to open up beyond ourselves. Make us instruments of your light so that others might know of your love and care.

Through Jesus Christ, Amen.