TBD on Ning
"WHO REKINDLES YOUR LIGHT?"
An insightful woman, who had lived through numerous dark nights and days, once taught me about getting through difficult times. "I appreciate your outlook on life," I commented to Mrs. Tucker. I was in my twenties and she was fifty years older. In the short time I knew her she became a significant teacher for me. I learned from her remarkable attitude and her unshakeable strength of character, both of which undoubtedly buoyed her through treacherous waters.
"Well, I have been through a lot of tough times," she told me. "In fact, sometimes it was awfully hard for me and my husband. He couldn't always find work. Some days he would come home horribly depressed and say, 'Things are so bad I don't know if I can take it.' And I would say to him, 'Well, you know, things could be worse.' And once he said, 'I've heard that so many times I think I'm gonna die!' I was hurt...but I just hated to see him so depressed. I didn't know what to say. Later he confessed that if I would have wept in despair, he wouldn't have been able to make it. He needed me during those times."
It occurs to me that HOW she responded to her husband's pain was probably not as important as the simple fact that she was there and cared. He knew he could always count on her to be a ray of light in his darkness and a strong hand to lift him when he stumbled or to soothe his hurts. He needed her...and for similar reasons, she needed him, too.
Albert Schweitzer said so well, "Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light." During those difficult times they rekindled one another's light.
Who rekindles your light? Who blows your light into flame when it threatens to flicker out? Sometimes this person is a relative, sometimes a teacher, or a pastor, or a close friend. I've learned that if I need the light of my spirit rekindled during a bleak time, there are a few special people who can do it.
I admire some people for their brilliance and I respect others for their strength. But I am indebted to those who can rekindle my spirit. I hope I can be such a person for others.
– Steve G
Views: 32
- Attachments:
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Letha Robinson on
-
I hear you, Aggie!
-
Permalink Reply by Angharad on
-
What a wonderful, inspirational post, Letha. My flame just burnt a little brighter because of it!
There are three people in my life right now who can rekindle my spirit when its flame is guttering. The first is the Dyslexic Dodger whom I met on the original TBD--we have been very close friends for years, and her loving heart, deep insight, generous spirit, penetrating intellect, and sense of humor can always set me back on the upward path. She is my angel. The second is another good friend who is consistently loving, supportive in every way, strong, affirming, and faith-filled in a way that I wish I could be. He is my rock. And last is my beloved, whose love, passion, humor, understanding, and acceptance is unconditional and inexhaustible. He is my soul mate and eternal home.
I am incredibly blessed.
And, like Aggie, I also draw sustenance and joy from the beauty and purity of animals and nature.
-
-
Ahhhhhhh!!! This is so beautiful! You are really blessed. Enjoy it to the fullest. I'm definitely appreciating my long life! God is so good to me! I have my ups and downs just like anyone else. But my ups are more than my downs.....Thank you, Angharad.
-
-
I guess you're right about that! lol
© 2024 Created by Aggie.
Powered by
