“There are darknesses in life and there are lights, and you are one of the lights, the light of all lights.” ~Bram Stoker
There is a wonderfully enchanting and beautiful neighborhood in a historic area of Pasadena that my husband Michael and I absolutely love to walk in when we're in need of inspiration.
It is only about a ten minute drive from our home, and we find ourselves frequently visiting the neighborhood, drinking in the peace and tranquility of the tree-lined streets as well as the charm of the lovely estate-style homes, many of which have been standing for over one hundred years.
When we take one of our beloved walks there in the evening time, we always find ourselves feeling so very uplifted by the little glimpses we catch here and there of warm light emanating from a lamp that stands on some small end table near an unobscured window.
And often it is a very beautiful lamp, perhaps a Tiffany-style lamp, one that is ornately crafted with stained, amber-colored glass which yields a warm, golden light that gives one an impression that they've stepped into a fairy realm.
I cannot tell you how special it is for us to see a little light like that on our walk, as there is something so truly hopeful about it, something so warm and inviting. That soft light in the darkness of the evening always leaves us feeling as if the possibilities in life are endless and abundant, that tomorrow just may be better than today was, and that magic does indeed exist.
What a blessing that is to our spirits, what a salve...
Reflecting upon that light, I cannot help but feel that whatever amount of joy, love, and optimism each one of us has available within us to share is the same kind of light, containing within it the same kind of potential to uplift, warm, heal, and leave the world around us a bit brighter.
In those moments when it is time for the darkness to be present, a time for "night”, the light is needed, however soft and subtle, to illuminate what surrounds us lest we forget what we have available.
It is this potential light within us that can radiate outward and make the more challenging moments we all find ourselves stumbling into from time to time more bearable, keeping us moving forward.
And while being the light when light is what's needed can be a difficult thing to do when one is already struggling to find meaning, it is truly one of the most hopeful things one can do, as this uplifts and warms not only oneself, but also others... and divinity can be found in that.
To be the light when light is what is needed is to be a force for good, a source of encouragement, and a road sign pointing to a better way.
It means bolstering every fiber of ones being that cherishes love, that believes in good, believes in something better, believes in tomorrow, and then bringing it to the surface so that it can shine for all to see. With that comes the privilege to touch and to stir, and to share in the discovery of betterment.
Of course, all of this is a tall order... it is, however, a worthy endeavor.
If each of us could see ourselves as a brilliantly ornate lamp made of warm, amber-colored glass that illuminates the darkness, creates some beauty, and is a reminder that all things are possible, then we would perhaps be well on our way to truly understanding the meaning of the “golden rule”.
It is being what you yourself need.
This is the ultimate form of compassion, not only for oneself but also for others, and the manifestation of a desire to hold tightly to what is good so that not only oneself but others can experience something better in life, some light.
Taste what's good and pass it on.
Ingrid
“From The Heart” is a space for me to share some of my more personal thoughts on life. Here you'll find my reflections on my own inner/spiritual journey; on being a wife and mother; on being a creative; and general observations, pretty much whatever is on my mind.
I whole-heartedly believe that sharing "from the heart" with one another is what connects us, heals us, and inspires us! Glad you're here...
Roseanne Sabol
Oh, Ingrid.... such beautiful thoughts. We’re all light. We just need to acknowledge it and act on it. Sending love. ♥️
The Cozy Apron
Roseanne, sending love right back at you!
Sophia
I am touched and inspired today by this reminder. No one said it would be easy to be a light in dark places. If it was so easy everyone would be a light and there would be no darkness. We are to let our light soooo shine...even if it is painful around you. We are given the strength to endure, and thank you for words of encouragement and what look like some amazing recipes. First time to your site.
The Cozy Apron
Hi Sophia, welcome to our site! So very glad to have you come by to visit.
Thank you for your lovely comment. It warms my heart that you found a bit of inspiration in the post, perhaps a little reminder of your own precious light, and I am grateful you shared your insight. You are right, it is not easy to be a light; but here's to us making a daily effort, anyway.
Joanne Collett
“ Be the person you wish someone else could be.”
I read this quote a long time ago and wish I could recall the author.
At that time in my life when I flipped over a page in a magazine and read those words, the light was quickly diminishing in my marriage and sadness and depression was the darkness flooding in.
I thought about my daily demeanor which I greeted friends and coworkers with. I had somehow mistakenly expected them to be my community of comfort. How could they when most times I either mumbled a half hearted greeting or quickly barked at them when I felt they ignored the signs of my unhappiness.
It took some doing on my part, on their part, they easily responded to the shaft of light I finally realized we all need.
Today I stumbled onto your blog and happily realized we must certainly have matching taste buds! Thank you for the reminder to become the light in someone’s life!
The Cozy Apron
Joanne, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and your heart with me. I am so sorry to read that you went through a time of darkness and personal difficulty, but am glad that you have seen your way through.
It takes a lot of insight and self reflection to realize some of those things that you described, how we many times contribute to the negativity around us, or at least become closed off to kindness because we are wrapped in the cloak of our own sadness. What a wonderful thing to come to the understanding that you did, and finally allow that "shaft of light" to flow through you and into those you care about. You are right, we do all need that light.
So glad you found the blog, and may you be nourished by all that you find here. Again, thank you for taking some time to write and share!