The Longest Night

It is December 21st, the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. It was an even longer one than usual for us since we lost electricity and heat for a few hours due to the severe weather. As the 7 of us sat in our very dark kitchen getting colder and colder(it was also the coldest day of the year at nearly 30 degrees below zero with the windchill) we contemplated our many blessings. We have shelter, our health, food, and each other. We thought of those who might be without those things and said a quiet prayer that they might find warmth tonight. We kept each other entertained by telling stories, playing card games by candlelight, and finally a game of flashlight hide and go seek. Just as we were considering finding someplace else to spend the evening, the power came back on and all the children ran around cheering for the light's return. After dinner, we decided to relight the candles and give thanks with a meditative solstice celebration. We gave thanks to the Sun for all it does for us and we look forward to it's return, bringing with it longer days and shorter nights. Happy Winter Solstice to you and yours!