In the midst of the darkness and grief, there was light. And grounded in the light were miracles waiting to be revealed.

And God said, “ Let there be light and there was.” How profound and deeply meaningful this phrase from Genesis is. Every year during the holidays I look into the depth of my heart and reflect upon the past year. As I think about this year it was by far the hardest our family and friends had to face. But in the midst of the darkness and grief, there was light. And grounded in the light were miracles waiting to be revealed.

Light is not the absent of darkness, darkness is the absent of light. When you walk into a dark room you turn on the light, when you want to darken a room you turn it off. When you or your children are faced with the valleys of your life these are times of great darkness. Light is what brings comfort, hope and eventually healing. Light is not something that just appears, you call it forth, you turn it on or in the darkest of moments you cry out in prayer for it.

When you or your family are in the depth of sadness, gather your children, connect with the light and remember the miracles that are waiting to revealed. Here is a prayer that our family has used over and over in dark times to bring us strength.

Take a deep breath and breathe in light.

For in the light, every moment reveals a miracle.
From the laughter of our children
To the sacred connection of love

Take a deep breath and breathe in light.

For in the light, every moment reveals a miracle.
From the possibility of peace on earth.
To the eternal presence of God within our hearts.

Take a deep breath and breathe in light.

For in the light, every moment reveals a miracle.
From the life force that ignites our bodies.
To each breath that heal our souls.

Take a deep breath and breathe in light.

For in the light every moment reveals a miracle.
When you were created in the image of God you became a miracle.
Fill with light, fill with grace, fill with strength and know the miracle that
God intended you to be.

So as you walk through the dark valleys in your own life and the lives of your children remember to grieve, to let go of your emotions and find comfort in your loved ones. Then take a deep breath and breathe in light. For in the light every moment reveals a miracle. May this holiday season bring you and your family grace, strength, hope, health and most of all love.

Debbie Milam is the author of The Secret to Raising a Happy, Successful Family. A syndicated parenting columnist for United Press International and therapist whose work has been featured in over 300 media outlets including The Miami Herald, Elle, Ladies Home Journal, PBS and The Hallmark Channel.

Visit her website for more products and resources to help you be a create a life of peace, joy, and success for you and your children. Sign-up for her newsletter at www.bestyoucanbe.org and receive your special report Creating Peace Within Yourself and Your Family.