The ‘terminator’ or twilight zone as some might call it, is the view from space of the moving line that divides the day lit side and the dark side of the Earth. Imagine viewing the Earth from the International Space Station, you’d be able to see the dividing light from far above the Earth’s surface that the Sun casts on our planet. On the dark half, night. On the light half, day.
At the equator, the terminator is constantly moving at roughly 1,040 mph. At the poles, the speed of the terminator decreases, and can actually reach a speed of zero. You’ve heard of full-day sunlight in Alaska for example? This is because the tilt of the Earth is just right as to never allow the dark side of the terminator to hit it.
Dark and light. Contrasts that fill much more aspects of our lives than just separating day from night. Sometimes, these attributes describe the very essence of our being. Joy, happiness, glee, smiles, dancing…all reveal the light. Mourning, depression, loneliness, despair…all reveal the darkness within.
Yet, isn’t it interesting how light overcomes darkness? I mean, have you ever entered a room and turned on the dark switch? Nope. Even when you’re in a dark room, once your eyes start to adjust, even a small glimmer of light from a small candle can start to reveal shapes and objects that surround you. Every time and everywhere with no exception, light vanquishes the dark.
So, how are you feeling? Deep inside, do you sense the dark? If left alone with your thoughts, do you conjure up feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness? Do you compare yourself to others or wonder why you can’t get ahead? Do you wish you were someone or somewhere else…or both? In your darkest moments, do you wonder why you even exist?
The Light was made for such a time as this. Deep within the recesses of your mind, you know that negative self-talk is not the answer. And just as easily as it was to pull you into the darkness of the terminator, you can just as easily summon the Light. From within you can think about the happy times, you can reflect on the good things in life, you can count your blessings and express your gratitude. You can pull yourself out of the darkness.
Too hard to do on your own? You can call a friend, or sister, or brother, or parent, or me. You can pray. We’re all in this together, we all want to see each other in the Light.
Life is hard. Darkness is prevalent. Our minds can easily be sucked in the dark half of the terminator. We can easily go Below the Line.
But today, let’s rise up. Let’s help pull one another Above the Line. Let’s embrace the Light.
Let’s live our purpose today.
