Return Of Light

The 21st marks the Winter Solstice.

The actual Solstice lasts only an instant. Technically, it happens exactly when the Earth's axial tilt is farthest from the Sun at maximum of 23 degrees 26'.

Most people commemorate all day that it occurs.

For us in the high latitudes, it's the shortest day and the Sun is lowest in the sky.

From then onward, nights shorten and days get longer.

Though it's slow and seemingly imperceptable at first (Winter being played out afterward), this is the beginning of the return of light.

Light returns, with all the accoutrements.

Warmth, growth and awakening come slowly, to renew the Earth and to inspire us.

We persevere, because the world keeps turning. We continue, as the seasons each play their roles.

As the Earth, our part of it, comes out of slumber, so we might take time to reflect on what we have done and what is to come.

What seems bleak is only a cover that is thrown back to reveal new growth.

When we feel lethargic, we are about to experience a resurgence of all that is needed.

We are not truly sleeping. We are quietly preparing for what is ahead, resting before battle.

The Light of Freedom never goes out. It has dimmed, but we are slowly but surely coming back.