It is barely 9 o’clock on Monday morning and I have already been exposed to candle lighters and darkness cursers.

A post on Facebook said it well. Paraphrased, it read: Some people age like fine wine. I have aged like milk. I’ve gotten sour and chunky. While that can be seen as an attempt at humor, beneath humor there is often unfortunate truth.

Events certainly can be shattering experiences, but how we react to and deal with life experiences makes all the difference.

When I was quite young, I was watching a telethon. The format included two of four interviewing included interviewing several people with particular disabilities. I will never forget that the host put his microphone in the face of a wheelchair-bound teenage girl, and said in a condescending tone, “Oh being in a wheelchair must so color life She responded with a smile, “yes sir, but I can still choose the color.”

You and I are living in trying times. We are in the midst of a pandemic. The oil field has had quite a downturn. Friendships are being destroyed by political differences. Our faith, our mindset, our soul set certainly, helps us choose the color.

Tough times bring out the best and the worst in people. Paul knew this during his time. He gave this advice to the Philippians: 3 of 4 Philippians 4: 4-9

“4. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8. Finally, beloved, [e] whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about[f] these things. 9. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.”

All the darkness in the universe cannot extinguish the light of one candle. With God’s help, let’s go through today and every day lighting candles. May time be made more precious by its passing.