Karla’s Korner: Be the Light

Be the Light

St. Francis of Assisi once said “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” Sitting in the quiet early morning hours with the flickering light of a single candle breaking into the darkness allowing the warm glow to penetrate and ignite my spirit deep within my soul I reflect on this quote and wonder what it all means to me and the world around me. With each flicker of the tiny flame that dances in the darkness of the room my eyes work to stay focused as tiny shadow dances on the nearby wall. Noticing that my eyes tend to blink in sync with the flickering I am reminded how life is like the flickering flame; dancing along erratically as it catches a “breath” of oxygen to keep burning. Staying focused is often difficult at best, that is if we are ever able to stay focused for any great length of time.

Throughout the course of our lives we find ourselves searching for meaning, purpose, love and more. With stories of sadness, doom and gloom on every news channel, in every magazine and internet homepage our lives seem to be filled with some level of darkness on a daily basis. Searching for the light can be difficult, especially if you are searching alone. Believing that we were created to live in relationship with others, it is important to be the light for those in our world. What does it mean to be a “light to others?” It means being someone who can motivate, cheer up, excite and encourage someone else; an inspiration. More than that, though, it means being a clear example of what someone else can become. I believe that by living our lives as an example of determination, hard work, gratitude, self-love, faith and unconditional love for others we become that light; a beacon of hope and promise.

As I sit quietly listening to the clicking of the keys on the keyboard, the candle next to me continues to glow. Before Thomas Edison’s great discovery folks relied on oil lamps, candles and fireplaces not only to provide light but warmth. I believe that we are called to do the same; provide light and warmth to those around us. We all know that one person who can change the mood of a party just by being present; that one person who can light up the room just by walking through the door. Or how about the person who in spite of whatever problems they may be facing strives to brighten the day for others? By choosing to shine our lights of hope, encouragement, cheer, peace and love we not only make things brighter for others but for ourselves as well. When we are in service to others we can’t help but feel good about what we are doing. And much like the warmth and light giving glow of a fireplace or a candle our light will enhance the lives of those we shine upon.
A friend suggested recently that I take time to study the lives of saints and encouraged me to begin with Mother Teresa. Her life of service and dedication to her God and to others is a prime example of someone being a light for others. In a poem that was written on her bedroom wall in Calcutta she writes about the importance of doing things “anyway” just because it’s what we are supposed to do. Reflecting on her words I am reminded that by living by this idea of doing things anyway we allow ourselves to be the living example of goodness, kindness, grace and mercy to those around us; a light.

Being a light for others is really quite simple. Taking time to say hello and smile at someone might be the one thing that lends energy and positivity on an ordinary day. It might be the reason someone else smiles allowing those smiles to reach out to others.

In your journey through the coming week I encourage you to focus on the light that you have within your own soul and shine it upon others so that they may feel the warmth and be inspired to follow your example. For me, I have been blessed with several wonderful people who have selflessly shined their light on my life path and filled it with warmth, encouragement, love and light. At times when life seems dark and impossible to muddle through they have been a beacon of light allowing me to make my way to brighter days. My hope is that I will be able to shine my light for others just as they have done for me.

William Shakespeare once said “How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.” I challenge you to choose to become a light to those around you.

Peace,
Karla

I am proud to introduce a new column to Madame Deals! I think we all need a touch point a place we can go to be inspired. Karla is my children’s teacher, a good friend, and a person with a heart of gold. I hope that her words will inspire you to do more. We are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with. It is important to listen with your heart and proceed with your eyes open. Enjoy!

Read more Karla’s Korner , also please visit Karla’s Lifetime Moms page and read her articles.

Check out Karla’s 24 Day Advocare Challenge updates!