Life's True Light

Jesus is life and light for detection
He can dispel darkness and fear,
Provide assurance and direction,
And engender peace and good cheer

Two weeks ago, I slipped on the icy sidewalk and hit the back of my head.  I fell into a shockwave of darkness.  My neighbor saw me go down and fall into unconsciousness.  She went and knocked on my door to alert my family.  All I wanted to do is sleep and went in and out of consciousness.  After a trip to the hospital that proved I didn't break anything, I spent days throwing up and living in a dark room.  It amazed me how much light comes into a dark bedroom. It is weird to think of light causing nausea.  Another strange thing is I didn't want to listen to anything as that triggered images which uses the occipital lobe. I went off the grid and didn't use any electronics.  I realized how these sources of light have become a very large part of my life (out of balance, perhaps?), how strong their light is, and that simply texting could cause vomiting!
Before I hit my head, I would say my morning walks and writing poems were "my happiness".  This accident put new appreciation in my heart for love, family, and health. I couldn't wait to get back to enjoying the gospel and basking in the light of the gospel.  This will be a very simple mindful Christmas.

 I hope to get back to walking out in nature soon.  Instead of the dog, I hope to go with family.

https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2015/12/the-light-and-the-life-of-the-world?lang=eng  

The Light and the Life of the World

By Elder David A. Bednar

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

To this special assembly at the temple, two of the first words the Savior used to describe Himself were “the light.” Samuel predicted a sign of light. The sign of light was given at the Savior’s birth. For the people in the assembled multitude, terrible darkness and fear had been dissipated by the true light, even Jesus Christ.

The account of the first Christmas in the Book of Mormon helps us to learn and more fully understand that Jesus Christ is the “light which shineth in darkness” (see D&C 10:57–61). In every season of our lives, in all of the circumstances we may encounter, and in each challenge we may face, Jesus Christ is the light that dispels fear, provides assurance and direction, and engenders enduring peace and joy.

engender link

en·gen·der

ənˈjendər/

verb

1. cause or give rise to (a feeling, situation, or condition).

   "the issue engendered continuing controversy"

   synonyms:

   cause, be the cause of, give rise to, bring about, occasion, lead to,result in, produce, create, generate, arouse, rouse, inspire, provoke, prompt, kindle, trigger, spark, stir up, whip up, induce, incite, instigate, foment; More

   • archaic

     (of a father) beget (offspring).

     synonyms:

     father, sire, bring into the world, spawn, breed;  literary: beget "he engendered six children"