December 20, 2025
“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light.” John 1:5
It’s simply amazing what a difference lights make in a room, in a home, in a community, in our nation, in our world.
This year, it would have been easy not to put up a Christmas tree or hang lights in our windows. I am so grateful I did… especially considering the dreadful news that seems to worsen daily. In a very fundamental way, the lights always lift my spirits. So does a visit to the hair salon.
I scheduled the first appointment at the salon for Thursday morning so we could get out in time to avoid the heaviest traffic on I-95 North en route to our son’s house, and be present for Anne-Sophie’s Winter band and choir concert. When I arrived at 9 am for my appointment, the salon was dark, and the door was locked. I waited for what felt like forever, but was probably 5 minutes, when a car with candy cane antlers arrived. A young woman of color hopped out, clad in a candy cane hair band with antlers, sporting multiple piercings, including 5 nose rings, headed straight to the door, unlocked it, and turned on the lights. Before long, I was in her chair. She was talking to me, but I had a hard time hearing her because of my hearing loss and the reggae music playing in the background. I told her that I had my hearing out, and she nodded in understanding. She was quick at her work and was done in a flash.
As I checked out, I apologized again about my hearing. She looked me straight in the eye and said, “It’s okay, you were listening but couldn’t hear me well.”
I wanted to give her a hug and a kiss for that kind statement. Her name was Irene, meaning “peace” in Greek. She was peace and hope and light along my way. It’s funny how little kindnesses can light up our world. ~ Thanks, Irene.
Wayfinding 