Shadows of Light, Ode of Solomon, 16:15-17
"The treasure-chamber of the light is the sun, and the treasury of the darkness is the night. And He made the sun for the day that it may be bright, but night brings darkness over the face of the land. And their alternations one to the other speak the beauty of God."
SHADOWS AND LIGHT - The Part Each Plays in Life
Consider a painting... you need the shadows to highlight the brighter areas. They complement the design, as the folds of cloth in a beautiful garment create more depth of beauty by the contrast those folds bring out. How much more is given to the eye to behold than just a reflection of a flat surface.
Seek to use the shadows then in their proper perspective... TO CONTRAST... TO HIGHLIGHT by their very ABSENCE of LIGHT the greater beauty within. They serve a far greater purpose than you dream, for they help you to utilize to a greater depth your perception of being. To refuse to recognize the importance they play, is to negate a fundamental element in your very nature.
What is necessary then is to see a healthy balance of shadow and light. Does not an eclipse pass as a natural phenomena, and is it not part of the order of creation? Eclipses can herald significant events in a very symbolic and natural way. In this way, you can use this concept to better understand what part shadow plays in reality.
It is well to remember not to make SUBSTANCE out of shadow. In this case, a balance has been tipped and creation is out of order, so to speak. Is not your shadow part of your own reflection? How can it then assume threatening proportions? Cast your shadow before you then, as you travel this earth. For this shadow shall create its own pattern of reflection to those you meet.
Let it provide contrast to another's light... to show the beauty of the light of another in greater detail and depth. So recognize their light, that it shines upon you and creates its own beauty in your reflection, and the harmonious design is lovely to behold. This is but an expression of love in a most natural form. The night is no less beautiful because it is dark. God expressed no less in shadow than in light.
I GIVE YOU THIS TO UNDERSTAND... DENY NOT SHADOW, BUT RECOGNIZE ITS PLACE IN THE WHOLE OF CREATION, FOR IT PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY OF EXPRESSION JUST AS VITAL TO YOUR BEING AS DOES LIGHT.