light and shadow

Advent Day 10 ~ The Lesson of the Shadows

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image © bob traupman 2007. all rights reserved.

I have learned to be intrigued by the shadows of my life, Lord.
The stronger the light, the deeper the shadow.
I have come to realize there will always be shadows.

I must accept the shadows of my life as well as the light; they will just always be there.

And so I now  pause for a moment when a shadow greets me;
and take in its beauty.

Teach me to  stop and be confronted, to be changed,  by them.

This day, Lord, help me to realize what the shadows of my life can teach me
about You and Your great love for me.

Editors note:  This was my very first blog post on December 5, 2007.                                                                                                           

I had two priests write back and say: “Thank you, Bob.                                                                                                                                             

I wonder what they were saying?                                                                                                                                                   

I pay a lot of attention to shadows in my photography.

It’s “both ~ and.” That’s the way life is.

Carl Jung in psychology got us to pay attention to the Shadow side of life.

If we deny they’re there, we’re in trouble.

If we embrace our Shadow, make friends with it, we become whole. 

Now,before you go, here’s a fun music video about Shadows.  Click here.

With love, 

Bob Traupman

Contemplative Writer



Advent Day 6 ~ The Lesson of the Shadows

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Advent Day 6 ~ Friday of the First Week of Advent

I have learned to be intrigued by the shadows of my life, Lord.
The stronger the light, the deeper the shadow.
I have come to realize there will always be shadows.

I must accept the shadows of my life as well as the light; they will just always be there.

And so I now  pause for a moment when a shadow greets me;
and take in its beauty.

Teach me to  stop and be confronted, to be changed,  by them.

This day, Lord, help me to realize what the shadows of my life can teach me
about You and Your great love for me.

Editors note:  This was my very first blog post on December 5, 2007.                                                                                                                        

I had two priests write back and say: “Thank you, Bob.                                                                                                                                                  I wonder what they were saying?                                                                                                                                                                                              I pay a lot of attention to shadows in my photography.


It’s “both ~ and.” That’s the way life is.

Carl Jung in psychology got us to pay attention to the Shadow side of life.

If we deny they’re there, we’re in trouble.

If we embrace our Shadow, make friends with it,

we become whole. 

image © bob traupman 2007. all rights reserved.

With love, 

Bob Traupman

Contemplative Writer



Advent Day 6 ~ The Lesson of the Shadows

bobtraupmanLeave a comment

image © bob traupman 2007. all rights reserved.

Advent Day 6 ~ Friday of the First Week of Advent

I have learned to be intrigued by the shadows of my life, Lord.
The stronger the light, the deeper the shadow.
I have come to realize there will always be shadows.

I must accept the shadows of my life as well as the light; they will just always be there.

And so I now  pause for a moment when a shadow greets me;
and take in its beauty.

Teach me to  stop and be confronted, to be changed,  by them.

This day, Lord, help me to realize what the shadows of my life can teach me
about You and Your great love for me.

Editors note:  This was my very first blog post on December 5, 2007.                                                                                                                        

I had two priests write back and say: “Thank you, Bob.                                                                                                                                                  I wonder what they were saying?                                                                                                                                                                                              I pay a lot of attention to shadows in my photography.


It’s “both ~ and.” That’s the way life is.

Carl Jung in psychology got us to pay attention to the Shadow side of life.

If we deny they’re there, we’re in trouble.

If we embrace our Shadow, make friends with it,

we become whole. 

Now ~ I went surfin’ for a music video  for something on Shadows. I found a reflective one by Joni Mitchell but settled on one by the rock group The Rasmus.  The refrain is perfect for the readings this week ~ “I’ve been watching, I’ve been waiting in the shadows. I’ve been searching in the shadows for tomorrows all my life.”   The lyrics flash across the screen for us fuddy-duddies.  They really fit our Advent theme.  These kids are searching for something ~ or Someone!

Click here, enter full screen, but don’t  turn up your speakers!  

With love, 

Bob Traupman

Contemplative Writer



Advent Day 12– The dance of the shadows

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Thursday of the Second Week of Advent

Here they are again, Lord.  Light and shadow together.
In this case, it appears the shadows on the lawn
are actually making room  for the light.
It seems the shadows are even escorting the light!

And the golden cast of the afternoon sun is awesome, Lord.  I am always in awe of it.

It shows forth Your glory, Lord.  At least to me.

Advent and Christmas and Hanukkah are all about light.
Teach us to look for your Light wherever we find it, Lord.

Sometimes we find the Light where there is supposed to be darkness and sometimes we find darkness where there is supposed to be light. Give us wisdom to know the difference. Teach us also to  see the shadow is always right next to the light in our lives.
Teach us to be patient with the shadow and even the darkness;
may we wait for the Light to come into our lives
and once again to our beautiful land.
May we never over look it; may we always be ready “to be wrapped in light as in a robe.”

Now fade all earthly splendor,
The shades of night descend
The dying of the daylight
Foretells creations end.
Though noon gives place to sunset,
Yet dark gives place to light:
The promise of tomorrow
With dawns new hope is bright.
– James Quinn, S.J. , 1968

Now here’s one of the great pieces from Handel’s Messiah – “And the glory of the Lord” on YouTube.  Enjoy. Be sure to enter full screen.  Once you get to You Tube there are other selections from the Messiah to enjoy as well.

Dear Friends,

When you’re out and about, take time to notice  the difference in the early morning and late afternoon light.  These times of day are a photographer’s workshop.  The sun often offers a golden glow to everything and the shadows are long and penetrating.  Each day ~ twice a day  ~ behold the glory of the Lord ~ right in front of you.  And it’s delightful entertainment ~ on demand ~ all for free for the discerning eye!

With love,

Bob Traupman

contemplative writer