The Light Within

Candlelight transforms a room. Growing up, we lit the tapers right before holding hands to pray, the smell of turkey wafting through the room. We’d stare into the flames as we each said out loud what we were thankful for. The prayers, honest and beautiful, held the space in a moment of peace and joy. The flickering candlelight helped us to open our hearts just a bit to receive the sacred. Gratitude – so immensely important – dwelling in the love of family, the fulfillment of life, and the joy in our salvation. 

Many things can block the light, creating dark corners and shadows. I tend to notice what’s missing and I have to consciously see the grace and gift of the people right in front of me. I can sometimes dwell in sadness or a longing for more instead of embracing what is. I look where the light is blocked, where the shadows exist so that nothing jumps out at me. No surprises.

Weekly, I interact with people at a shelter in town, bringing them a hot meal. Nathan usually comes out to help bring in the food from my car. He always says to me different variations of: “It’s so good to see you! You have a light about you. It’s good to be around people who have that joy!” His words are spirit-filled and genuine and always a gift to me. It never ceases to remind me where God dwells – in every person, even in me. And we can uncover the light, letting it shine bright on our inner tables or we can hide it, dwelling in our regrets and fears. Nathan’s light shines brightly so he can clearly see the light in me. I am grateful for his light that illuminates my own.

How can we uncover the light that is present within? Fr. Greg Boyle believes that every person is “unshakeably good.” What will it take to reveal this goodness, this light, in ourselves and in others? Let’s start with our families and then others outside our circle. Let’s try to be like Nathan and say it out loud, spreading the light from one candle to the next.