"All the darkness in the world can't extinguish the light from a single candle." St. Francis of Assisi
"Light" can be defined as "energy producing brightness". We may think of someone who radiates as having a captivating energy, a certain glow, or one who beautifully reflects Jesus' light. However, if you're like most of us, we often feel more like we are "burning the candle at both ends" ,,, living at a hectic pace... oftentimes feeling burnt out.
How do we keep this little light of ours shining?!
We obtain that light from Jesus and reflect it back to Him... so the Glory goes to God. We live our life with His light & love so that others may see and be drawn to Christ through our actions. It's OK to shine!" Don't shine so others can see you; Shine so that through you, others see Him!" (C.S. Lewis). Our actions and life testimony are way more powerful to others than our words! Do we put enough love, compassion, hope, and forgiveness in the simplest of tasks to brighten the lives of those closest to us? That's where it starts...being present in the moment of even the simplest of tasks! Our personal light shines more brightly by each kind word, prayer, thoughtful action we take in our day... no matter how hectic and crazy that day may be!
Just the smallest amount of light can dispel even the greatest darkness. Pope Francis has said, "How beautiful it would be if each of you, every evening, could say: Today at school, at home, at work, guided by God, I showed a sign of love towards one of my friends, my parents, an older person! How beautiful!" I love this story (below) of our Pope kissing and embracing this man; it touches my heart! Jesus is within each of us, and sometimes it can be quite a challenge to find that! He loves each of us so much, even those who may not be so kind to us and that we have a hard time loving... or forgiving... or those who are "different" than us. Whether our "disfigurements" are on the outside or on the inside, we are all fellow children of God.. and we need to be ready to embrace one another as we are.
"Lord, please show me how to better share my light with others, particularly those who may not have a light that I can see. I want to reflect Your Light oh Lord and give that glory to You!. May I appreciate and encourage others for the light they provide to my life. I want to live in the present moment with unconditional love and gratitude for each fellow human being, and You know I need Your help with that! Amen."
"Whoever loves his brother lives in the Light" 1John 2:10