three things to do this week

This week.  
... welcome the returning light
... snuggle with someone.
... light a candle.
... take what you need, so you can go on bringing hope and joy and beauty to this world. I know that's four things.  But it's all one thing, really.

these are dark days, friends.  It can be easy to get stuck in that darkness.  Last night, I went to my mom and stepdad's house by myself, and in the quiet of that space, grief snuck up behind me and hit me with a hammer.  The news brings word of awful tragedy, desperation, fear.

In your small way this week, then, gather your light, and shine it out.  The weather here is gloomy and dark, and the day dawns gray and sinks too soon back into misty gray, and the stubborn snow under the slush is gray and tired.  

Today, though, I listened to a woman tell how this afternoon, her teenaged kids and her husband would join her in delivering four Christmas trees and scores of presents they've bought and wrapped to families who otherwise would be facing a lean, wrenching holiday.  I've heard kid laughter and seen gentle kindness in so many eyes.  

Gather the light, then.  Shine.