Light is ...

... the soft glow of warm kitchen light that seeps around the edges of the blind, as you pull into your driveway after a long day of work.

.... the shadows that dance on the wall from the tiny nightlight as you rock a new baby in your arms.

..... the clear white beam from a headlight that silhouettes a doe and her baby, grazing beside the road.

....  the split second forks of lightening that shoot through the sky as the thunder rumbles and the rain sweeps across the sidewalk.

...  the joy in a child's eyes as they run toward toward you, to be swept into the air and into a warm hug.

.... the flicker of soft candles that light the altar of a great Cathedral, as men and women kneel in quiet prayer.

.....   the brightness in all the rooms of a home that is filled with bustling, happy people, visiting, eating and laughing.

....  the dazzling beauty of the sun glistening on brand new snow, without a mark upon it's soft white surface.

....  the small, warm beam of a flashlight as you and your child walk hand in hand in the dusk, listening for owls and watching fireflies blink.

....  the reds, golds, blues, greens and purples of fireworks,  exploding in the summer night, lighting the night sky as we celebrate freedom.

.....  the tiny, dim glow that grows to epic proportions as your heart falls in love for the very first time.

....  the snapping flames of a crackling bonefire that sends light on roasting sticks, hot dogs, marshmallows and children biting into Smores with chocolate smeared on their faces.

.... is loving someone until the time comes for them to walk into the light of heaven, and into God's arms.

Let the light of happiness, freedom and love guide your steps into this new, wonderful year of 2012.