What does it mean to you to shine your light?
To me, shining your light means sharing your gifts, your talents and abilities to uplift, and bless the lives of others.
Haven’t you been buoyed up by another’s act of kindness, whether it be as simple as a smile, or a service of great sacrifice?
When you share your gifts you are shining your light.
No matter how small what we may have to offer seems, shining our light can uplift, and strengthen others in powerful ways.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Many years ago, I was acquainted with a woman, and her elderly mother.
Her mother was frail, and in poor health.
The thought came to me to play my violin to cheer her up.
I play the violin decently, but nothing awe-inspiring, and I was embarrassed to offer.
To my surprise she said yes, and even seemed excited about it.
Though I was never quite comfortable with my playing, we shared some pleasant times, and she seemed to enjoy it.
Years passed, and I had forgotten about that experience until recently.
I ran into her daughter who commenced to tell me how much that time meant to her mother, and to her.
I was reminded that we never know how our acts of kindness, or in other words shining our light, can lift and help another.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Do you have abilities, and skills that might bless the lives of others?
- Are you a good listener?
- Do you get things done?
- Are you able to discern needs, and quietly fulfill them?
- Are you an organizer?
- Are you a calming influence?
- Are you good at communicating?-Do you enjoy cooking?
- Are you able to see the good in others or situations?
The list of abilities and ways to share your light is endless, and we all have something to offer.
AN EXTRA INSIGHT
And additional insight I have learned is that
Gifts need not be fully developed to be shared.
In fact, if we wait until we think we are good enough we will miss many opportunities to lift another.
We may not feel confident in ourselves.
We may pass through times of doubting that we even have any gifts to share.
Yet, our abilities are unique to us, and are needed!
Our individual realms of influence may seem small, but remember that any gift shared then ripples out to the world at large.
INVITATION
As you review this past year, and look forward to the new, I invite you to take a fresh look at your talents, and abilities and decide to use them to uplift, and strengthen those around you.
Shine your light!
Much love,
