Shining Light Where It's Needed

AM Psalm 69 • PM Psalm 108: 1-6
2 Kings 1:2-17 • 1 Cor. 3:16-23 • Matt. 5:11-16

A few years back when the Ozarks went dark from downed electrical lines due to a massive ice storm, my house was without power for 14 days. During the first few days I felt like Laura Ingalls Wilder. I stoked fires, prepared chili on top of a wood-burning stove, put extra blankets on the bed. It was a successful trial run at survivorship.

By the fourth day, all the work of hauling wood, carrying off fallen branches, exhausting the pantry and living in only the warm part of the house began to wear thin. Far and away the worst time of the day was around dusk when the sun fell behind the hill to the west. The long evenings were quiet and lonely, a time for fearful thoughts. Out came candles and flashlights, but real light, healing light, came from neighbors and friends-lights of love, help, companionship and comfort.

I am reminded by the compassion of others of a quote from Marianne Williamson:

“We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”
- A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles”

Written by Elaine Williams

I am a daughter, sister, niece, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother and friend enjoying my life and sharing my time among the Ozark Mountains, Park City, Utah, and Seattle, Washington.