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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