Light amid darkness

I am an avid reader. Books take me places I'll never go in person. Books also give me life lessons and insights that are just invaluable.

Two days ago I just finished a novel that had come highly recommended by several people: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, a book about a blind French girl and a German boy whose lives intersect in occupied France as both try to survive the awful events of World War II.

My takeaways from this book are to once again be astounded by the resilience of people faced with violence and unspeakable events in wartime and to be reminded that even amid such situations, some people are called to their higher selves. Acts of kindness and graced moments occur even in the midst of situations of living hell.

It's good to remember both those takeaways, for when any of us face darkness and difficult times, we can remember that even then, even then, goodness and light can be found. And it's good to remember that very often we can survive such times.

Can you recall times of darkness when you saw goodness and grace? Remember that the next time you face a difficult and challenging situation.