I was lucky enough to spend the past weekend with my mom and sisters at the Lake for some rest and relaxation. It’s a new annual tradition we’ve started after my mom retired last year and it is WONDERFUL! We get together and eat too much, take it easy, catch up and just enjoy each other with no other distractions (a.k.a. no kids).
I was the last to arrive at my parents’ cabin Friday night and was greeted at the door with hugs and a glass of wine! We had a little time before our dinner reservation and all exchanged small gifts with each other. I was thrilled to get a new pair of Christmas socks, a 5 year journal and some lip gloss! But we shared more than just gifts. Sitting around the table together, these sweet 
women shared their hearts. And it was beautiful. They seemed caught off guard by the tears that sprung up as we talked about our weeks and chose our favorite bible verse cards. I, on the other hand, am used to spontaneously crying at the drop of a hat! Something my sister Lee said really made an impact on me. She attended some diversity and inclusion training at work, and had a get together with friends recently, all which left the same message on her heart, like God was telling her the same thing over and over. That we are the light of the world. We are meant to shine in dark places, all places.
I can’t remember exactly how Lee articulated that message, but what a great reminder! I think it’s so easy to get caught up in our own little world, especially with the busy and hectic lives we lead. Sometimes we’re so focused on our routines or to do lists that we forget to engage and share with others, or ‘let our lights shine,’ if you will. I thought about her message in another way too. That ‘light’ can radiate from unexpected places, like the smiles and laughs of children. I could never have anticipated the positive impact that Gage, just by being himself, has on so many people around him. He’s loved by so many and shines his light and shares his joy in the purest, simplest ways. Maybe the rest of us are overthinking it and making it too complicated.
Another phrase that ‘the light’ brings to mind is a note I saved in my phone the first time I heard it, “The wound is where the light gets in.” I guess that quote is actually Jason Gray’s version of another from the poet Rumi, and he also has a song by the same title. I won’t be able to put it as beautifully as he did, so you can see his story behind the song here. And if you’re a music lover like me, listen to the full song here. Essentially, his message is that the hard stuff makes us better versions of ourselves as we work through the healing process. I just really appreciate the thought that our challenges and struggles can be worked together for good, even though they may break us. I’m not sure the healing process for our wounds is ever complete. I think it’s ongoing, and we can have setbacks and triumphs along the way. But if we can find a way to keep sharing and letting others in, and ‘shining our light’ through the journey, not only will we benefit, others may as well.
This week, I had a unique opportunity to share with students studying to become therapists. I love that their teacher wants to give them a parent’s perspective, and a peek into our real lives, as part of their training. When I was asked to be a part of this class presentation by another mom several weeks ago, I excitedly agreed. But I have to admit, as it got closer, I started to think of all the reasons I didn’t want to do it. Caleb would have to tag along, Gage would miss another morning of school, I’d have to drive out to Ozark instead of staying in town. But I was going to stick with my commitment. Then, things started falling into place. A friend not only kept Caleb for me that morning, but made me a delicious cup of coffee for my drive, (which was quick and easy) and fed me lunch after! In the class, I shared about our experience with Gage, then he got down on the ground and showed off his rolling skills on the mats on the floor. Each time he made it from back to belly, the whole class cheered and Gage would bust out into laughter and share a proud smile. Talk about shining a light! The students shared in his excitement and Gage LOVED all the attention. When we had fielded the students’ questions and wrapped up our presentation, the instructor came over and prayed with us and our kids and spoke the most beautiful words about all of us being children of God. Thinking back on the day, I realized all the blessings I would have missed out on if I had said no, like an offer of help from my friend and a welcome prayer from a stranger.
If sharing our story is one way I can shine a light in this world, I’m happy to do it. Gage’s light shines where ever he goes. And so often, we benefit from the ‘light’ and kindness of others. What I’m most grateful for is the source of that light…Jesus! The same one who’s healing the wounds where the light gets in and working things together for our good.
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12