LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” – John Wesley

I discovered this quote several years back and it forever marked me, in a positive way. A few years back I got a revelation that being a world changer doesn’t mean you have to do some giant feat that affects thousands of people. The President, Senators, company CEO’s, Preachers with huge ministries are not the only people with influence and the ability to affect change. Grant it, their positions afford them a much farther reach, access to MANY more people, and the authority/ power/ money to affect change on a much larger scale. However, you, me, the neighbor next door, the grocery store clerk all have the ability to make a difference where we are and can positively or negatively impact the lives of those we come in contact with. Everyone can do something to make the world around them better, to make a positive difference in a life.

Give you an example of a “small” thing that’s a big deal. My husband and I spend a lot of time at the Lexington VA. Most times we are there it’s not under pleasant circumstances. In some form or fashion for varying reasons, it’s a painful, trying, stressful time for my husband and myself. When we first started going there we were “boots” so to speak. We had no idea what we were doing, where to go, how things worked or how to navigate the VA beast. Enter in a wonderful VA employee… there is an older gentleman who works the front desk who ALWAYS greets EVERYONE with a smile. On many occasions we’ve had to ask him for directions or had a list of random, probably seemingly stupid questions for him, to which he ALWAYS responded to us with a smile and gladly helped us in anyway we needed. You can watch this gentleman and see that he gives 100%, 100% of the time, with a wonderful attitude. Can I tell you, not everyone at the VA (or any place of employment for that matter) is like that. Now, we know our way around the VA pretty good and usually don’t have many questions, but that doesn’t mean this gentleman’s warm greeting of, “Hello, how are you guys today?” doesn’t makes us smile and add a bright spot to our day.

You may be thinking, that’s not changing the world or something that’s a big deal, but it is a big deal to us and I know it’s a big deal to the countless other folks who walk into the VA lost, confused and frustrated.

We live in a society that is very much dog eat dog. There’s a whole generation(s) coming up that doesn’t understand about honor, commitment, putting the needs of someone or something before your own, having a cause bigger than yourself to support and believe in (i.e. God & country). People are very self absorbed and introspective focus. That’s why people who care, who take time to help those around them, be a light in the darkness if you will, stand out and make such an impact. Why do you think the whole “Pay it forward” moments are made into a big deal… because many people are not used to random (no strings attached) acts of kindness from anyone, much less a stranger. I’m not trying to say we live in a horrible world and all people are selfish jerks. Honestly America is full of MANY kind, giving, people who love our country, our military and all the principles and morals this country was founded on. However, the media and society as a whole chooses to ignore all things good and focus on and perpetuate moral and spiritual rot…. embracing the darkness.

I encourage you today, be a light. Do what you can do, where you are to make a difference and positively impact lives around you. There is nothing to small….. being a light can be simply smiling at someone, buying the breakfast of the car behind you in line at the drive thru, financially supporting a ministry, volunteering at the Military Mission donation drive at Sam’s Club, volunteering to put together care packages for our troops deployed overseas. Darkness is expelled by light. Even the smallest candle burning provides light to see and displaces the darkness. What you have to contribute does matter and can be used to help others. I challenge and encourage you today to DO something, to let your light shine.

~Faith