Unemployment has its benefits, especially when you perceive it as a time to communicate better with God.  For example, I am able to wake early every morning, putt around the garden or take a nice long walk.  I sometimes take my camera, capturing some amazing photos.

Recently, heading up the main street, by a tree I have passed numerous times before, I suddenly see a heart shaped knot in the base of a tree.  I felt like it was a message from Above, saying, “Psst, Linda, you are loved!” I mean, it’s not every day you find something like this, so it must mean something, right?

Some say that I look at the world with rose-colored glasses, but I beg to differ.  That statement leads one to believe that the person wearing the glasses does not see things realistically. I see things very realistically. I know pain exists, along with hate, disappointment, and disease.

I also know that God sends us love, beauty, kindness and serendipitous events to bring light into those dark places. All we need do is open the doors of our heart and mind to let it in.

Linda Rhinehart Neas is a poet, writer, healer and educator.  Her latest book: help the orphans of HIV/AIDS in Swaziland. All profits from book sales go to . Visit and or you can contact her at lupinelinda@gmail.com

© 2011 Linda Rhinehart Neas All Rights Reserved
Reprinted with permission.

One Small Light

Light is wisdom and learning.
Light is warmth and shelter.
Light is love and compassion.
Light comes from You.

Help me force back the dark.
Help me spread learning and loving,
home and hope.

Let Your Light shine through me
to brighten the world's dark corners.

"WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL LOVED?"