Growing Towards the Light

It was a peaceful and quiet afternoon. My mind had stopped racing from a busy morning of breakfast making, teeth brushing and laundry folding. I was enjoying the laughter of my children and the freedom that comes from a few hours without an agenda when I noticed a spectacular occurrence that had happened right before my eyes, but without me paying a moment’s attention to it. It was something that had happened slowly, day by day, inch by inch, by the large window that faces west in our living room. It was something that I had walked by for months, in my own home, but had stopped paying attention to, other than a weekly sprinkling of water. My old ivy that once was neatly balanced and centered atop its terracotta put was now off kilter – it was growing towards the light.

This struck me as an example of nature’s beauty and God’s encouragement – meeting us where we are, regardless of the circumstance. This plant had the sense to lean, stretch, reach and grow each day, not to remain where I had planted it, but to grow towards the light that it needed. This reminded me of my own existence and the type of life I want to lead. I want to live a  life that mirrors the wisdom of this tender plant – growing towards light and goodness, not to reach a destination of perfection, as that will never happen, but to enjoy life with a spirit of giving to others and growing towards the light that is available in our very own soil. Surrounding ourselves with people and activities that bring out our personal best, or internal light is part of our purpose. Sharing our own light with others who live with darkness is equally part of that purpose.

My old houseplant did not complain about its circumstances or placement in a somewhat shadowy corner of my living room, it instinctually grew in the direction of the light available, just outside the window. This simple plant kept its roots firmly within its rich soil and gracefully leaned into the challenge of meeting its need for the sun. Life without light is nothing. A life filled with light, a healthy dose of moving water and a few storms along the way is a life that is full.

May today you find the encouragement to share your light with someone who may be stuck in one of life’s darker corners.