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Search for where the light comes in

Happy Sunday! As I talk about often, Robin Arzon (@robinnyc), is the Peloton instructor I use the most. She is flat-out inspiring. On her Thanksgiving ride, she talked about this thought of “noticing or searching for where the light comes in.” It was profound. Here’s the line of thought:

The light has come in this year when…

My friend Joann had me over to her back patio for a surprising weekday breakfast with her warm spirit and incredible coffee, and gorgeous backyard that she has cultivated with her loving hands.

The pure joy of my sons when graduating from college this spring and a special ray of light when we had a modified “Aggie Ring ‘COVID’ at-home ceremonial ring dunking!” (If you are familiar with Texas A&M, this will make total sense.)

My son and his beautiful wife getting married in the most perfect backyard wedding this summer in Michigan. The fun dance Sam and I did is a forever memory and watching her mother and her grandfather dance was charming.

Watching the chickens and ducks and turkeys fly out of their coup in the morning light each day… the energy they express shouts “let’s do this!” So refreshing.

The endless stories of hope and resilience surrounding us. When I simply walk the halls at our clinics, I witness love in action as our patients are cared for so well. The intention of the team in preparing for each patient visit is extraordinary.

Watching our country unify around the Black Lives Matter movement. Witnessing our country seemingly truly trying to understand the depth of the issues and begin to course correct.

Watching online as my friends Gary and Trisha battled cancer as a team. He showed everyone what it looks like to truly stand by your partner and shine in the midst of a lot of pain.

Seeing online that my dear friend Kathy is truly embracing life and full joy as her and her husband enjoy early retirement, whether traveling across the country in their RV, or enjoying campground weekends with family, she shines a light on life.

The simplicity of being at home versus traveling so much for work this year.

My friends, the light comes in each day if only we will look and call it out in gratitude. This is the perfect time of year to soak in all that God has delivered. As the light peaks in each day, we can feel confident that his presence surrounds us and that his true delight is in bringing us joy overflowing.

*I don’t know about you, but even typing this out – thinking through the top-of-mind scenarios – made me crave documenting a lot more. It may be fun this week to spend some time with this exercise… Let me know if you do! Ann Voskamp did 1,000 of these in her book 1,000 gifts… I think with some time that could be terrific goal.