It’s never completely dark at Ulee’s Refuge, with the solar lamps along the path, lights in windows, moon beams dancing on the water, spotlights in the trees and, of course, solar lights on the lanais.

Walk around the complex after dark and you see how folks decorate with light. Some light strings showcase patterns that actually sync with music, others flash, chase, trickle, flicker, sparkle. Several lanais feature dark blue or crimson disks that cast a muted glow over their wicker furnishings.

I especially enjoy those solar powered wind chimes or garden lights in the shape of flowers, butterflies, humming birds, dragonflies, turtles or paper lanterns, watching them glow or randomly changing pastel or neon colors.

The idea that the power of the sun can be harnessed to light the night fascinates me. If only we could absorb the goodness from others, we could, in turn, illuminate those around us with rays of hope in times of utter darkness.