Chasing the Light

**Inspired by Midweek’s “Chasing the Light” column:

Today could be just another day.

We open up the paper, turn on the TV, and search the Internet to find something that will light a spark and motivate us. Or at least entertain and distract us.

It is in the day to day moments, that may not be the darkest moments of our lives, that can sneakily keep us in the dark.

Sometimes I don’t recognize that I am not truly living in the light when I am too busy checking off boxes as a small business owner, leader, and student, while also trying to be a good spouse, parent, daughter, and friend. The overwhelming responsibilities can make every day just feel like another day to get through.

The big life challenges I’ve faced have led to books and interviews, but it is in the quiet private moments we all face, that often don’t “make the news.” 

So today, I want to share the story of today. Just another day as I write this. A day that I woke up and didn’t feel like doing anything. I just didn’t have the energy to try. But thanks to a morning routine of opening up the Word to spend time chasing God’s light, I was reminded to stop wallowing in self-pity. How could I shift my focus today from my current view of darkness, to being a light in someone else’s life?

Simply changing my perspective from myself to others, gave me the energy to give my son extra cuddles, then provide encouragement to my daughter, followed by a prayer for my husband, a text to thank a friend, an email to guide a colleague, and then type these words to you. These are small and simple ways we can make just another day, a much brighter day for someone else. 

What light are you chasing?

Perhaps if we light a way for them, then we will start to feel that light too, peace by piece.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” -John 1:5