Sometimes what my characters say take me by surprise with how appropriate for where I am in my life. It’s almost like they’re talking to me. A while back I caught my character, Ryan James, talking about shadows and I realized how right he was.
See there is something about shadows—that absence of light—that kids instinctively fear. Adults have a more educated view that thinks the dark patches really can’t hurt us. That there isn’t anything hiding inside trying to get out.
But if I’m honest with myself, there’s still something about the dark.
Perhaps the kids have it right.
But if there are shadows, there has to be light. There’s just something between us and the brilliance. And here’s the thing:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.Tweet This
If you’re stuck under a shadow, cold and weary, may I encourage you? There’s light to be found. Today. Even in the darkness. If you shift just a bit, look for the good, maybe you’ll see what’s causing the shadows, maybe you’ll see around it to the light. Can you see it?
And if you’re warm in the comfort of light, will you share it?
Perhaps take a moment to look up and smile at a stranger, take a picture of the flower blooming in your yard and post it to Facebook, give your spouse the night off. Do what it takes to share the glow, maybe tomorrow you’ll need to borrow it back.
Here’s to sharing a bit of light to those around you today…
I’m off writing lots of words on a new novel for National Novel Writing Month (affectionately called NaNoWriMo by the writing community). So I pulled this post from May 2016. Hope you enjoy it again.
Did you enjoy this blog post? Feel free to share using one of the links below. Or click the follow tab in the bottom right corner and subscribe to Beautiful. Ugly. Me. I’d love to have you with me. Have a Blessed Week!
I love that your characters say things that surprise you. That’s awesome!
It’s a lovely thing to have imaginary friends…until they start bullying you around 🙂
I love that MLK quote. Praying for great NaNoWriMo time!