We left town for a few days so I closed the shades on the windows. Especially in the main part of the house.

Which meant the orchids living in the sunny sections would be shuttered in five days of darkness. Orchids don’t like darkness. Especially when in full bloom.

My wise wife suggested I move the two blooming buddies into my hothouse – her personal name for my office – rather than leave certain shades rolled up.

My body temp tracks to the cold side. I like an office that’s sunny and warm with shades always up so the sun shines in. I’d rather sweat than shiver. 

Orchids agree.

I used to have an office without windows. Nothing grew there except dust and spider webs. I’m not crazy about spider webs.

Darkness is a part of life. Sometimes flowing from lack of sun. Other times from lack of hope. 

A smidgen of darkness tends to slow us down. Causes us to contemplate what went before and what lies ahead. Allows time for regeneration and rejuvenation.

An abundance of darkness stifles growth. Causes us to stumble around and whither in fear. Afraid we’re going to run into something hard or fall into a hole deep.

Jesus shines light into life. He brings hope into holes. He digs people out of despair and showers them with forgiveness and total acceptance. 

He provides what souls crave.

How are you allowing the light of Jesus into your life? Have you pulled down the shades so that His grace and love can’t get through?

What dark places could use some hope?  What dimly lit areas, some assurance you are His and His presence will never leave you?

Weekly worship is part of that light source. Daily prayer and Bible reading even more so.

You’d never expect an orchid to make it with just one day of light a week. Your soul isn’t designed that way either.