As I am writing this, it is late October and daylight saving’s time is still a couple weeks away. As an early riser, I can’t wait. It has been so dark when I wake up in the morning, and I have as hard a time getting myself out of bed as getting my kiddo out of bed. We eat breakfast in the dark, we pack our bags in the dark; it’s even still dark when we’re waiting outside for the school bus. I start my workday early and usually have plenty of afternoon daylight to go for a walk, do housework, or prep for dinner. So, I’m happy to sacrifice some afternoon daylight for a brighter morning.

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My husband works until dinnertime and sleeps in most mornings. He is not looking forward to daylight saving’s time. He will spend all day inside and it will already be dark by the time he gets out of work. I’m sure in our community we have a mix of early risers and late sleepers. Some people who are looking forward to more daylight in the morning and some lamenting that the sun will go down so much earlier in the afternoon. And some who struggle with the dearth of daylight no matter which end it gets pulled from.

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Luckily, we live in community. When one person is drained by lack of light, energy, or hope, there are others who can hold them up. Or, as the Quakers say, “Hold them in the light.” We all need someone to hold us in the light sometimes. So, my beloveds, as the days continue to get darker, look to your neighbor. Perhaps they can hold your light until you get back on your feet. Perhaps you have the strength to hold their light for a spell. When the world feels dark, look for the light in each other. And know that I will be holding each of you in the light as we journey on together.

 

Blessed be,

Pastor Alison