Finding Light in the Darkness
By Jessica Brodie
Have you ever heard you have to go through darkness to really appreciate the light?
I’ve heard it a lot and it resonates, for (like many of us) I’ve been through my share of hard times. When I go through a tough season now, I can look back on those times and remember not only that I got through them, but they also made me stronger, and helped me appreciate the blessings I have.
But recently I’ve been experiencing this “darkness to light” perspective in a different way—through my new kitten, Casper. If you remember a few weeks ago, I wrote about my so-called mean kitty Leia, who’s an absolute sweetheart to me but claws-out when it comes to everybody else in our house. Disappointed with Leia’s total lack of cuddling skills, my daughter Avery started lobbying for an additional cat about six months ago. See, we got Leia after our cat Teetee passed away… only Leia and Teetee are what you might call “polar opposites.” Teetee would let you do anything to her, just grateful for the attention. She cuddled and snuggled indiscriminately. When Avery was little, Teetee even let her dress her in doll clothes on occasion and push her around the house in a toy shopping cart. Leia… well, let’s just say she has absolutely no tolerance for that kind of behavior.
So when my husband, Matt, and I heard about a stray kitten needing a home, we decided to go for it. A tiny white kitten, Casper showed up at a coworker’s door looking for food and shelter, and ended up coming home with us to live. I don’t know what Casper went through before he became part of our family, but you can tell really appreciates living with us. I swear he smiles at us when we pet him, surrendering completely to how great it feels. He’s happy to eat whatever we put in front of him, too. He’s even semi-friendly with our German Shepherd puppy, Captain. I’ve caught the two of them sniffing at each other, and Casper likes to sneak water from Captain’s bowl, which Captain appears to tolerate.
Matt has a theory that Casper is so sweet because he had it rough at the start of his life. He’s been through difficult times and is able to see his current situation with a deep perspective of appreciation and gratitude.
Leia and Captain, however, have always had it good. They were born into a life of plenty and have never experienced anything else. It doesn’t mean they’re ungrateful, but they have a different perspective. However, Casper knows firsthand what else is out there and consequently is able to be really, really happy about his present circumstances.
Looking back at all the other animals I’ve had in my life, I do notice a pattern. Every cat I’ve ever adopted who’s been a rescue stray has been extraordinarily affectionate and easygoing, decidedly not picky about food or who’s touching them.
This time of year, it’s sometimes easy for us to hear sentiments such as “be grateful” and “give thanks,” experience that fleeting nudge of appreciation, and just move on. But when we’ve been through something really difficult, that’s often when we can truly understand how blessed we are. For example, I went through a time as a single mom under financial strain, so now not only do I really appreciate what I have, but I’m more inclined to be content with most everything I receive. It’s also allowed me to cultivate a compassionate and generous heart, genuinely wanting to help others who are in the circumstance I used to be in.
Even something as simple as recovering from the flu can change perspective. When you feel better, you revel in the way your body now works and moves again without body aches and total exhaustion. It makes you appreciate basic gifts—breath. Life. Enjoying a meal.
We can be grateful even for the darkness, for the darkness helps us realize how blessed we are to walk in the light.
As I write this, Casper is sound asleep, snuggled up next to Leia with his eyes closed and the barest hint of a smile upon his face. He knows he’s blessed.
And we are, too—no matter what we are going through. For as children of God and believers of Jesus, we are guaranteed eternal life.
In that day when the Lord triumphs over all, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4 NIV).
God bless you, my friend! If you have been through a difficult circumstance and achieved a positive new perspective, I’d love to hear about it. And if I can pray for you, I’d love that, too. Feel free to email me privately, also.
