I Saw the Light!
It was just a passing comment; “I wish Judah’s breast collar had a hook instead of a buckle. It would be so much easier to attach.” That was it. The full extent of a statement made in front of a barn full of other horseback riders. It wasn’t unique or unusual, I 
didn’t put any particular emphasis on what I was saying, I just said it. In fact, I had probably forgotten I said it before I rode Judah out of the barn and toward the trail.
The next morning, as I reached under Judah’s belly to attach the leather strap to her girth, there was a hook. When I looked up in astonishment, I was told someone I had just met fixed it for me.
A hot ham and cheese sandwich was what everyone wanted when we stopped at a restaurant in a busy part of town. The waitress was asking a male customer if he needed anything and we were shocked to hear him scold her for sorry service and bad food. She looked embarrassed when she saw our expressions, but came to our table with a smile on her face.
Her demeanor did not change, even when she returned to the man’s table to bring him another glass of tea. She kept her smile. She kept her cool. She kept her customers.
And I saw the light.
If I had only looked a little closer, a little longer, at all the words written on the school website, I might have found the answer I needed. But it was storming outside, and before I drove my son all the way across town, I wanted to make sure the Back to School Bash was still on tap. As hot summer days gave way to cool August nights, classes were set to begin in just three days. The phones had to be ringing constantly as new students, parents, teachers and delivery service personnel verified important information. I knew the administrative assistant would probably be feeling overworked, but I still needed a quick answer to my question. When she picked up the phone, I could hear in her voice that she was smiling. She could have been short, stressed and irritated, but she was sweet, kind and helpful.
And I saw the light.
Yesterday, I called (weeks later than I should have) to make reservations for an event that almost always sells out. I already knew the main section was full and I would be lucky if we could still squeeze into a less desirable spot. The precious woman, who tirelessly coordinates all the visitors and their various requests, told me they were rearranging some things and the owner had reserved our spots…all I needed to do was send a deposit.
And, I’m telling you,
I SAW THE LIGHT!
Every day, we get a chance to be light in the darkness. It’s a chance and it’s a choice. Too often, I add to the darkness with my bad mood or attitude. But we are called to step up higher…to lift each other up…encourage each other…to overlook offenses…to give anonymously…to choose kindness over criticism…to choose patience over anger…to choose to do something nice and kind just because it’s the right thing to do.
I’m sure I could find bigger examples, more impressive ways I’ve seen the light lately. But after each of these things happened, I stopped and thought about the fact that the people had made a conscious choice to be kind. It’s usually not those in great positions of wealth and power who impact our every day lives…it’s often the people we meet in traffic…at school…at work…at home.
We are light. We don’t have to be, but we can choose to be.
And then we get to be!
“You are the light of the world.”
Matthew 5:14
“Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light.”
Ephesians 5:8
“This little light of mine I’m gonna let it shine…”
Ha ha just kidding you can stop singing now. 😉
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