I lived for many years in the Pacific Northwest. When I first arrived, I thought it was spectacularly beautiful with mountains and the ocean, all right there. After a couple of years, my love of the gorgeous scenery began to be dulled by the dark, gray skies. A few more years and I was counting the days until summer, during which I had the best odds of experiencing a few days of sunshine. During the rest of the year, I would count myself lucky to glimpse the sun a few times, here and there.

I finally moved away when I began dating the man who is now my husband. I joined him on the east coast. I happily left the gloom behind. But the joke was on me because a couple of years into our marriage, he got a great job in Seattle. As a photographer, I could do my job anywhere so back I went, gritting my teeth and buying a light box.

After nine more years of the dark drear, my husband loved me so much that he took a job in Southern California. It’s not perfect, but there is plenty of sunlight! I felt like I could finally breathe. A low, gray sky wasn’t weighing me down anymore.

“He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.” (Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭13,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

This world is full of darkness. We see glimpses of light, joy and beauty, from time to time, but the overall character of this place is pain and fear. The darkness is of our own making, but knowing that does nothing to change how it affects us.

Fortunately, Jesus has opened the door into a new kingdom, His kingdom, which is full of light. Full of joy, full of wonder, beauty, and peace. He has made a way for each of us to have a choice. We can step into His kingdom of light where we can throw off the burden of sin weighing us down, or we can stay under the pall of selfishness, fear, hatred, greed, anger, and ignorance. It seems a very easy choice to me.

Dear God, thank you for rescuing me from this dark domain. Thank you for shining your light on me. Thank you also for the promise of an eternity basking in your love because I chose you.