As much as I need my sleep these days, it seems that no matter how early my children rise, I am always awake before them.  Usually this annoys, but this morning I woke with the rising sun still glowing beneath the horizon in the east, set with a purpose in mind.  As I shuffled  passed slumbering loved ones, I relished the silence and the cool sense of peace that followed me.  In the kitchen window I placed a candle.  As I lit the wick I closed my eyes.  I breathed deeply and felt my spirit lift and rise.  In my mind I pictured loved ones lost and my heart smiled.   An unspoken prayer ran through my conscience.  I wished for happiness, even for a moment, for all people.  In an instant I felt an indescribable connection with the universe.  Even if my words were unspoken, my intention was clear.  After a time, I extinguished the candle, paused to listen to my children sleep some more, and shuffled back to bed.

Being separated from loved ones as I am, this is a ritual I regularly perform.  I guess I hope that somewhere someone is thinking of me at the same time I am thinking of them.  Even if they’re not, it’s my message to the universe that I believe.  Even though we are separated through distance or death, absence does not dilute  love..it makes it more poignant and bittersweet.

My wish this Christmas, is that there is a candle burning somewhere for you.  God Bless.