PATCHES OF GODLIGHT

“Any patch of sunlight in a wood will show you something about the sun which you could never get from reading books on astronomy. These pure and spontaneous pleasures are ‘patches of Godlight’ in the woods of our experience.” ― C.S. Lewis

 

A friend shared this quote with me.  It has been a good exercise thinking about what it means to me personally.  I believe we each might have a different interpretation based on our life experiences.

My thoughts first turned to times I have seen the sun peeking through the darker, shaded woods.  We experience the sunlight emerging in the darkness.  We can read a book about the sunlight shining forth through the darkness, but it becomes real to us once we experience it ourselves.  To read and visualize something is not the same as actually living it.

 

 

Three main points come to mind when I reflect on the quote:

–Life is about experiences that shape us.

In the woods of life, we learn the most when we experience God’s presence and His love in our lives.  We can read the Bible, but when we experience the meaning of the stories as they reach our heart, we gain so much more.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.  –Psalm 16:11  (ESV)

  

–Patches of Godlight are all around us.

Patches of Godlight might be an answer to what direction your life should be going. Maybe you are seeking a touch from God, knowing He is with you guiding your footsteps.  Did God put a person in your path when you needed a prayer warrior?  The good news is God provides what we need when we need it.   We need to be in tune to see how He provides.

You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.  –Psalm 18:28  (NIV)

  

–Patches of sunlight bring us closer to the Son.

As we see and experience the patches of sunlight in our lives, we grow closer to Jesus.  We encounter Jesus’ presence with our eyes, the eyes of our heart and soul.  We get to know Him more intimately as we experience His power in our lives.  We find joy in the simple ways we see His presence.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”  –John 8:12  (NLT)

 

 

God provided an unexpected special patch of Godlight in my life this week.  It was an in-person reconnecting with a friend I knew through volunteering as a candy striper as a teen.   We haven’t seen each other in at least 25 years.  It was a light-giving time of fellowship, sharing our love for the Lord with heart-to-heart discussions of Him.  It was a pure and spontaneous pleasure to experience in our woods this week.

 

Notice the “patch of Godlight” shining down in the picture.  🙂

 

This week I encourage you to~

~Be open to experiencing God’s presence and love that reaches your heart.

~Be aware of the patches of Godlight in your woods.

~Come closer to Jesus as you experience the patches of sunlight in your life.

 

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!  –Psalm 34:8  (NLT)