In all forms of light, there is the knowledge of surrounding darkness

“In a short time you will no longer see me, and then a short time later you will see me again…You are sad now, but…your hearts will be full of joy, and that joy no one shall take from you.” Jn. 16

Our life is a short time in expectation, a time in which sadness and joy kiss each other at every moment. There is a quality of sadness that pervades all the moments of our life. It seems that there is no such thing as clear-cut pure joy, but that, even in the most happy moments of our existence, we sense a tinge of sadness. In every satisfaction there is an awareness of its limitations. In every success, there is the fear of jealousy. Behind every smile, there is a tear. In every embrace, there is loneliness. In every friendship, distance. And in all forms of light, there is the knowledge of surrounding darkness.

Henri Nowen, Out of Solitude p. 53, 54

[Posted by Matt]