Living In Light
I recently read a quote (on Tumblr, go figure) by someone named Jane Kenyon, and it said, "If it's darkness we're having, let it be extravagant." Words in almost any form are always inspiring to me, and this quote was no exception. But it got me thinking. Can't the light be extravagant?
Now, this seems like a silly question, because of course it can be! At this point it kind of seems like I am simply extrapolating meanings that aren't actually there, but bear with me. This is just what got me thinking.
Light can be extravagant, for sure, and we can be extravagant in it. But are we? Do we, as humans, do extravagant things more often when we are surrounded by people who are watching us (in the light), or when we are alone with our closer friends, or even just our thoughts (in the darkness)? Do we tend towards being recklessly passionate about anything if we're not alone? We live in a broken world, constantly fearing society's judgment from day to day, even when we think we don't care. There will always be one person, or two, who has the power to influence our entire moods. What they think of us can make or break our emotions, whether we want it to be this way or not. And I have personally found that more often then not, I am not always comfortable fully expressing myself around that person. I don't want to be my full extravagant self when they are watching. In their light, I shy from the full spectrum of emotions that I could express. But in their absence, or darkness, (see where I'm going with this now?) I am reckless.
(Thinking out loud now.)
And this should not be the case in anyone's life. I know that, personally, I have been called to live a life of love and service to the Lord my God, and serve Him only. But if I am living a life shying from the light that another person brings into my life, I am serving myself, and even to an extent, that person. The only judgment I should truly fear is that of my Heavenly Father, who shines with a light so brilliant that, as humans, we are told that we cannot look upon Him.
We need to remember to purposely take the time to be extravagant, to be ourselves, in all situations. To eliminate fear of societal judgment from our lives, especially because it is such a ridiculous burden, and to live recklessly abandoned to our God-given passions. Live a life worthy of the perfect sacrifice, because that has already been given for you. And in doing so, we will learn to dance extravagantly in darkness and light.
Whether it is darkness or light that we are having, let it be extravagant.