Are You a 200-watt Bulb or a Nightlight?
Whatever your reasons for being a bright or dim light, it is still a choice you make. (As I do as well!)
Each of us can be “the light of the world.” We are enlightened beings; we have much wisdom, insight, joy, compassion and love that we can shower on others, blessing them.
I believe we were born to shine, to be beacons of light for others. (Even when I forget , I believe it!)
There are many people whose own light has gone out, and who are in need of being rekindled with a spark from another person. You or I can be that person.
As my husband and I have just moved into senior apartment living, we have seen examples of both bright lights and nightlights as we’ve met some of the other residents. And each connection is a reminder of the choice we can make.
And, we can’t duck out by not choosing. Choosing “not to choose” is a choice.
Sometimes folks hide their light by
being quiet when they should speak, by going along with the crowd, or by simply being indifferent when they could make a difference. It is a choice.
Yet it is so simple to be a “light.” It doesn’t even take very much effort.
- So simple to take a moment to help someone trying to get the door open.
- So simple to give someone a smile and a friendly greeting.
- So simple to pick up that piece of litter that someone dropped.
- So simple to tell someone how attractive they look in that blue sweater.
- So simple to tell someone how much you enjoy being with them.
And even when we are feeling like a little nightlight, we can still shine. After all, as long as we don’t put our light “under a bushel” we are light for others to see and even see by.
What do you do to remind yourself of your light?
How do you share your light with those around you?
4 Comments
There are many lights shining each Tuesday and Thursday noon when we feed the hungry at St Paul’s Episcopal Church. The room fills with lots of happy conversations and empty tummy gets filled. We get lots of smiles and warm comments at the counter as the food is gathered. Then more light shines as there are may “thank you” at the end of the meal. We are paid every day by the smiles and “thank you” – what more pay do you need ? You can see all the smiles and hear the voices of those who just need the warm, happy place to get a good meal and find people with whom to visit. The lonely and hungry have a place to feel better about things – at least for a short time. There is a lot of light shining.
Earl, you have always been a “shining” example of both thoughts and actions to help others! I appreciate you as a great role model!
It was “so simple” yesterday, to loan my arm to someone that was having a struggle to walk only about 50 feet. You are so right.
Good to hear from you, Nadine! I think we often forget how simple and yet how meaningful our “simple” acts are to be the “light” for someone else.