Thursday, December 15, 2016

Prayerful Thanks

Light a Candle

Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.”
St. Francis de Sales

My sister-cousin, Susan, sent out the “light of peace” on her Facebook page today. I can't think of a better Christmas gift. This will be a Christmas for lighting candles and giving prayerful thanks for me, for sure. And, since we are in a season of unknowing as a nation, with the whole world in transition, many prayers and candles are in order for all of us. The interesting thing about lighting candles and saying prayers is that the very action calms us; it is an act of peace. It connects us with humanity as far back as we go, who lit fires and cried out in prayer to God for mercy, for fortune, for protection. The firelight makes our prayers visible, and the smoke carries them upward.

I read yesterday that the busloads of veterans, who went to Standing Rock to offer themselves as a human shield against battering and water hoses, are now building permanent shelters for the people who want to stay there for the winter. That's sending out the light of peace. That little nine-year-old girl with spina bifida, named Faith Russell, who started a project to send shoe boxes of gifts to children in need around the world—last year 500, this year 20,000—is lighting a candle of peace. My cousin, Sandy, who's down at the Corner Table in Conover, NC, helping to make candy for their annual fundraiser, is sending out the light of peace. So many people, all around the world are using this season of darkness to create peace in their own hearts that extends light to their communities.

Henry David Thoreau said, “Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence.” When we do that, no matter how small the path may be, we send out the light of peace. I join Susan in sending it out to you today. Light a candle, pray for peace.

                                                                 In the Spirit,

                                                                      Jane

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