A shadow is a shape that’s formed when an object blocks light from a source. In the case of this particular photo, that object was my cat, Sassy. Shadows are revelatory of whatever is blocking light. I guess you could say shadows are something to be grateful for as they reveal to us things, things we might not always be able to see otherwise.

After taking this photo, I began to think. What objects are blocking my light? What is standing in the way of becoming the best version of myself, and what kinds of shadows are being cast over my life as a result?

As I took a closer look at my life, I began to see a shadow in the shape of stagnation. This shadow was being cast by something, a couple of somethings, blocking my light and dulling my shine. I had reached a point where I had begun to waste too much time mindlessly scrolling on a particular app, and it was time to at least temporarily delete it. In doing so, I was able focus my attention on other things, things I had been avoiding for quite a while.

I felt God put it on my heart in 2025 to start focusing more on my art this year. Why had I not done this earlier? Why had my art lately been consisting of finger painting and rock art? I realized the other thing that had begun to block my light was fear—fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of my art not turning out the way I hoped. The solution to this fear, to any fear, is to face it.

In 2025, I won’t be striving for perfection. I’ll be striving to take notice of shadows as they form, thanking them for revealing what’s blocking my light, for revealing what needs changing. In 2025, I’ll be striving to use my time more wisely and face my fears, in hopes of doing so, my light can shine just a little brighter.

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When a shadow forms

we get to see

the shape of something

what could it be?

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This shape reveals

by way of sight

the very thing

that is blocking the light.

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We must ask ourselves,

What’s in the way?

Whatever it is,

it cannot stay.

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When our light is blocked,

our spirits dim.

When our light is blocked,

we must seek Him.

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Because when we seek Him,

He reveals things to us,

and this is why

in God we trust.

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So Lord, reveal to me

and to those who seek.

Through the shadows that form,

Lord may You speak.