A metaphor is a figure of speech that refers, for rhetorical effect, to one thing by mentioning another thing. It may provide clarity or identify hidden similarities between two ideas. Antithesis, hyperbole, metonymy and simile are all types of metaphor.
Heavenly bodies
The Cambridge dictionary defines heavenly body as any object existing in space, especially a planet, star, or the moon. I like the image of the sun as the Father, moon as the Son, and the stars as the Holy Spirit. These heavenly bodies are always there even when we cannot see them.
In spite of my circumstances, I still feel the challenge to live each day well. My spirituality has undergone a transformation as I look for ways to be grateful for the gift of today. One such gift has been a shift in perspective.
I used to think of the sunrise and sunset as metaphors for the beginning (birth) and end of life (death). Now, I look at the 24 hour span of a day in a different way. The sunrise marks the beginning of life. The daylight hours represent the part of my life when my spiritual journey was lived in community with other people of faith. I went to church where people saw me and I saw them. My faith and my witness were lived out in the open. My relationship with God and my service to Him was on full display.
Learning To Walk In the Dark
I’ve come to think of the past year as my twilight hours. A transition from public to private spirituality. The sun has set and it is now dark. Yet, the constant companionship of the moon and the stars gives me great comfort. Even though there are occasionally cloudy nights when I can’t see the moon and stars I know they’re there. They are always with me. There is an intimacy to my relationship with God in the privacy of the nighttime that I didn’t experience during the day.
My faith continues to deepen as I enjoy the nighttime hours. The 24 hour cycle will be complete when my life on earth comes to an end. The sun will then rise on my life in heaven.
“The Escapist” is a hidden song featured on the album Viva la Vida, by Coldplay.
And in the end
We lie awake
And we dream
We’ll make an escape
And in the end
We lie awake
And we dream
We’ll make an escape
You inspire me every day Brad, thanks.
Mike
Thank you Brad. May God continue to bless you every hour of every 24-hour day.
Beautiful words. Thank you Brad.
Another beautiful essay by a tremendously beautiful soul! Thank you for sharing!
It’s hard to comprehend that this life is just a blink of an eye and heaven is forever. Maybe you can teach me to golf in heaven. I think so!
Blessings on you, Brad. Though you may be experiencing the dark, you continue to share the light you have been given. Shine on.
Beautiful insight!
Beautiful! I’ve often viewed the sunset, especially after a difficult day, as not the end of the day but the beginning of a new day. The sun has to set before it can rise again. Your words are powerful!
Profound. Thanks for sharing, Brad.