English Channel

Morning of the 20th of March 2025

I did spent most of the ferry crossing from Dover to Calais on deck this very early March morning.  A number of tired looking lorry drivers came on deck also for short spouts puffing away on their first morning cigarette.  Dark heavy clouds were hanging over the ship as we where gliding through the water.  It was quite mild for the early season with no wind which is a very rare occurrence.  I do allow myself to say so having travelled across this water for the past 39 years.   

The sombre scene was not promising a spectacular sunrise today.

 At 6.23am, according to the photo info on my phone, a bright and luminous morning sun showed itself through a crack in the clouds over France.  I remember that it actually brought me to tears.  The feeling that the light made itself known when it was least expected and more so in a spectacular way.  Even the lorry drivers notched each other in their different languages, put their cigarettes out and fumbled quickly in their pockets to capture the moment. 

Looking back at the photo, it does resemble how I feel about the world situation right now.  Humanity's struggle to ultimately find the light in wading through such dark scenes, such pain, so much injustice.  

In the horizon however, unexpectedly with a most powerful clarity, the light is arising, carrying the message that we are being light for each other.  People leaving their homes, jobs and comfort to bring the light they carry in their hearts to the places where it is needed.  

The light will always win.....when it comes and exposes what had been happening in the dark it can be overwhelming.  Yet, I know we all have it in us to be a light for each other in a small or a big way.  It is the actual blueprint of our human nature, nothing we need to add or learn.  All we need to do and be is just allowing it to flow in the moments when we remember.               

"When walking through the 'valley of shadows,' remember, a shadow is cast by a Light."

Austin O'Malley