This time of year the emphasis on gift giving can cause one tremendous stress. It is also a time of deep feelings, some of light and some of darkness.  It is not uncommon for depression and sadness to rear up and visit us when we think we should be happy and joyful- because it’s the season.

Recently I was speaking with a doctor who was surprised by this- he said that many of his patients who had been doing well all of the sudden were unsatisfied with their treatment….not feeling optimal…depressed….on the edge of darkness…

We are creatures of contrast, it is our nature to experience both sides- the light and the dark….because if you only had one you could never appreciate the other.  What if the sun was always in the sky? What if the darkness of the star filled night never came? What if we never experienced the beauty of the sun rising bringing with it the hope of another day here on this wondrous place we call Earth?  If we were always in the light we would miss the beauty of darkness, the deep silence of the night, the sparkle of the stars, the longing the vast emptiness brings with it, and ultimately the release of the darkness upon the return of the light.

Walking through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, because I know that only LIGHT can make shadows….the light is always with me, even if I think I cannot see it.

In my darkest moments there were others who held the Light up for me, they offered it back to me, letting me know it was always there. These people were my beacons of Hope; they guided me back to where I needed to be. This was a gift of Love that I am forever grateful for.

So when you are unsure of what to get someone you love, remember, LOVE and LIGHT are always in season, always needed. A hug, a smile or a simple phone call is sometimes the best gift of all.

Merry Christmas my friends. May the Light of the Divine fill your souls today and beyond.