Our front room is filled
by the usual mixture
of light and shadows
cast by lamps
on this dark winter’s afternoon.
While I’m standing
with my back to the window
a large shadow on the opposite wall
catches my eye.
From where I’m standing
I can see clearly
what is casting this shadow –
the chandelier that hangs
from centre of the ceiling!

I’m amazed.
I’ve spent so much time
in this room
and while I have always
had an awareness
of the light and shade here
I have never before
noticed a pattern
that is oh, so clear to me now!

How could I have missed it?

Life presents all of us
with many challenges
and while we’re in the thick
of these difficulties
we can see only darkness.
And yet when I look back
in later years
I can see that the hand of God
has been there,
with me at all times –
guiding me,
supporting me,
carrying me,
helping me to grow.

Lord,
when dark times come
help me to remember
that there is a bigger picture
that makes sense of my crisis
even if I can’t see it
and help me
to place my trust in you.

© Claire Murray, 21st January 2021