Good Times and Bad-- I thank you for the times I've had and the times to come

Advent Devotional Commentary
Jesus Beloved Son  Henri Nouwen
Isaiah 26:4
December 6, 2012

Here is one of my favorite quotes from the Dr. Who episode "Vincent and the Doctor"

Amy Pond: We didn't make a difference at all. 
The Doctor: I wouldn't say that. The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. Hey. 
[hugs Amy] 
The Doctor: The good things don't always soften the bad things, but vice-versa, the bad things don't necessarily spoil the good things and make them unimportant.

I like to think of life like a tapestry (well sometimes).  Imagine such a tapestry with no darkness.  It would float in a way that would make it less real.  It would be cartoon-y and garish. It would have no depth, no gravitas, no contrast, no shadow to reveal the light.  Without the darkness the image would be flat.  Without darkness no brightness would POP!  Indeed without darkness you would not see word on page.  We strive to fight the darkness and without it what would we do -- simply bask?  

It is difficult to praise God in the midst of our storms (thank you Casting Crowns)but it is that praise of God's faithfulness and steadfastness that brings hope and inspiration despite the storm.  I love telling the storm how big my God is and knowing that God understands exactly how big my storms are.  

I think that the Doctor's next line speaks volumes.  "And I think that we added to his pile of good things."  And isn't that what we are called to do, as Christians?