I have been thinking this week a lot about light. I think it is interesting how light has so many different meanings. Light can be used to connote a source of light, like a lightbulb or a headlight or even a small candle. Another definition, according to Miriam Webster is “something that makes vision possible” or even “spiritual illumination”. It also means “a set of principles standards or opinions”, or when used as a verb, “to shine”. Lighten not only means to illuminate but also to make less or to ease.
The word light, in my mind, is associated with hope and energy. There is a good purpose in light. Last weekend was General Conference for my church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and as I listened I felt my own burdens lightened. (If you are curious for what General Conference means, you can check out this post here). As I watched President Thomas Monson speak last week, I felt his message of light such an important one for our day.
I feel that a lot of our world is focused on darkness, fear, and uncertainty. There is much happpening around us that is negative, but within every single one of us is the ability to be a light. We can be hope for others when life is dark. When our light shines, it shows. And, all light comes from God.
You see, we need each other. We need to be lifted and lightened by those around us. It can be something as simple as a sincere smile and thank you to the cashier at the grocery store, or a small act of service to someone you meet on the street. It can be a hug to someone when there are no words, or a conversation that you have with someone that you care about. We are not alone in this life. We have each other. No man is an island.
I would like to share several of the messages of light I felt from last week. I hope they bring your heart, mind and spirit some illumination as they did mine.
As David A. Bednar has said: “Everything that invites and entices us to do good and to be good comes from God.” I feel a greater desire to be a little better and try a little harder to bring myself closer to Christ. I feel as I work on this, that God will grant greater light in my own life. I know we all need light in our lives. I hope you each can feel some light in your lives today. As you do, be sure to share that light with others.
Happy Sunday!
Elizabeth
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I really enjoyed this post. I especially want to thank you for the poem by Lon Woodrum. This was part of Pres. Monson’s talk and I wanted to find it and get a copy. His talk was absolutely wonderful.