Shadow is much more than the absence of light. They are full of color and, ironically, light. They are an artististic friend, used to create drama and passion and serenity and calm. But, we're counseled to rid ourselves of the shadows of our past and seek enlightenment. How?
C.S. Lewis said '...if there were no light in the universe, and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be without meaning.'
There has to be shadows. Darn.
My childhood was fraught with dysfunction and co-dependency. The shadows of alcoholism and depression seemed far too constant a companion. Shades of grey uncertainty were prevalent in my home. More than once I came home to discover that my mother had left. Run away. Running from her shadows. Chasing light. Tether. I didn't understand then. I do now. I don't blame her.
There were shadows from which I wished to escape, too. The lingering shadows of lost virtue. Pain and hurt. Remain. Tethered. My quest had always been to eliminate the shadow. But, now I wonder if maybe there is value and purpose to the shadow. If shadow and light could remain at once.
I am no artist. Not in the first-thought-sense anyway. But, thinking back to college Art 101, I suspect there may have been similitude amongst the tedium.
I recall:
1. To create an outline, I had to create shadow.
2. Shadows anchor objects.
3. Shadows are part of the over-all composition.
4. Shadows help emphasize the light.
And there it is. To be what I am intended to be there will always be shadow. There must be. I am outlined, but not defined, by shadows. They are a small, but important part of the masterpiece. The composition. Still being created into reality.
My shadows anchor me. To what? To whom. The tether that my mother sought was peace and calm. I don't know if she ever found it, but I did. My Savior, my friend. My shadows are the reason I return to Him. He keeps me. Close. Held. Encircled. Safe. If for no other reason, I must be grateful that my shadows force me back to Him.
The shadows enhance the light. If I never know the depth of pain, how can I ever know the height of joy?
So, shadows are an abscence of light. But, as long as we're human there will always be shadow. But there will always be light, too.
Running from shadows, and Seeking light. Never realizing that both were ok at the same time. I love my little shadows....my big ones, too. Some day they'll all be gone. I'm glad they exist.
Enlightened? Probably not. Happy? Mmhm.
