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Village Report | October 2024

October 1, 2024 | Jen Griffin, Vice President of Engagement

Jennifer Griffin

by Jen Griffin, Vice President of Engagement

“Golden Light”

October is a favorite month for the Community Outreach team! Traditionally, it is a busy event month for us which is awesome because we can be outside and enjoy the weather. (How can we Texans not love cooler weather and a change of seasons?)

October is also a month of golden hues and crisp air – and a time when light and dark intertwine in a captivating dance. This month’s theme, “Golden Light,” invites us to explore the beauty and significance of this contrast in our lives.

From the dawn of time, humans have been drawn to the sun, the ultimate source of light. How many of us were “Sun Gods or Goddesses” back in the day?The ancient Egyptians worshipped the sun god Ra, believing that he brought life and warmth to the world. In Greek mythology, Apollo, the god of light, truth, and healing, was associated with the sun. These historical and mythological references highlight the profound connection between light and life.

Yet, the contrast between light and dark is equally essential. Darkness, often associated with mystery, fear, and the unknown, can also be a source of introspection and creativity. The poet William Blake famously wrote, “What the world needs is more darkness.” I’m not 100% sure what he meant by that, but I suspect the concept was that in the quiet and stillness of darkness, we can often find a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

In the natural world, the changing seasons offer a striking example of this contrast. As we see the days grow shorter and the nights longer, the golden light of autumn begins to dominate. The leaves, once vibrant green, turn shades of yellow, orange, and red, creating a breathtaking spectacle. This transformation symbolizes the cycle of life and the inevitable transition from light to dark.

In our own lives, we experience similar contrasts. There are times of joy and abundance, when the light shines brightly. But there are also times of sorrow and hardship, when the darkness seems overwhelming. It is in these moments that we must remember the beauty and resilience of the human spirit. Just as the sun always rises after the darkest night, hope and light can emerge from even the most challenging circumstances.

So let us embrace the theme of “Golden Light” and celebrate the beauty and complexity of this contrast in our lives. May we find inspiration in the ancient myths, the natural world, and the timeless words of poets and philosophers. And may we remember that even in the darkest of times, there is always the promise of a new dawn and the enduring power of golden light.

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