Sunrise, after a lifetime of darkness

Have you ever woken up to the light?  That sudden burst of warmth as the darkness fades?  The way that the light can engulf your whole being and just make the day better?  What kind of light am I referring too?  There are all forms of light: the kind you turn on with a switch, light from a fire, the sun, the stars, or moon, or how about the light that comes from our Savior?

Just like when the sun rises in the morning and brightens up the sky, our Savior can offer a light that brings more warmth to the soul than anything ever imaginable.  He has offered so much to each of us, and all he asks is that we do our best, go to him to repent of our sins, follow his teachings, and turn to him in times of good and bad.  What a remarkable gift he offered to each of us.

I think of what it was like the day he was resurrected.   I can not even fathom the light and warmth it offered to his followers.  To see him truly come back and be a witness that he had suffered and died for us and made it possible for each of us to return. I long for his return! and I can only hope to share in the light he will bring.

I am not perfect, I have lived a life on both sides of the fence.  I have made choices that at times have drowned me in the darkness around.  Darkness like light can mean many things, depression, hopeless, lost, alone, without light, scared, and the list could go on for miles.  I have tasted this bitterness that comes as consequences for my choices, and I don't think anyone on the earth can completely go without times of darkness, even if it's only in the shadows. It is something I am not proud of but it is also one of the best blessings in life.

When in darkness we seek the light.  We want something better and begin to change.   We start to come out of the shadows longing for the warmth of the light.  Through our change we are able to become true followers of Christ.  We can overcome our shortcomings, we can be forgiven for our wrongs, we can feel that our Savior loves us, and we can strive to stay in the light from that time forward.  This light is brighter than the sun at noon, it brings warmth and peace to the soul, it can heal all wounds.

Today I have focused on my life and where I have spent it.  Have I done what I was sent here to do, have I followed that straight path that will take me to an eternity of happiness? I noticed, I along with everyone else lives a life of darkness.  We struggle to make correct choices all the time.  We can lose our way and find our way back and then still fall when tempted.  As I realized I have lived a life of darkness. I also realized that the Sunrise at the end of those dark days was brighter than the engulfing darkness.  The good has outweighed the bad.

How can we truly know the light if we haven't been in darkness?  We would not know the warmth of the Sun if it had never cut through the shadows of the night, and showered its greatness upon the day. We are truly blessed people.  Our Savior gives us constant hope of light.  He loves us and wants us to be happy, not just for now but for an eternity...today I can find Joy, for my journey amidst the darkness has a sunrise that can show the way.  It is bright enough to fade the darkness and it is my Savior.