December 13 was the date for the Winter Solstice before the calendar was revised by Pope St. Gregory. “Luz” means “light,” and so it was considered fitting that St. Lucy’s feast day occur at the darkest time of the Northern Hemisphere’s winter. Today the calendar is changed but the day is still dark, my shadow is longer than I am tall, and it’s hard to stay warm.
I like this time, when I have time to think of it. I enjoy it because there were times when I didn’t have what I have now, couldn’t do what I can do now. I like to bundle up, wrap in warm cloths, drink hot beverages. I can’t get enough of candles, the bright flame and fragrant wax, so I’ve taken up candle making. My kids are in the living room, warm, comfortable, taken care of. I am content.
One thing remains the same: I cannot do anything myself. Alone I can never sustain even my most minimal needs. I don’t even try anymore. The Lord who made the Universe and cares for everything within it, made and cares for me and mine, to the level of my every breath. He knows every hair on my head, He knows me.
Because I am a diminished creature and He, the Creator, is Goodness itself, He provides for me as much as I need and more, as much as I am open to.
Thank you, God.
