" Just as one candle lights another and can light thousands of other candles, so one heart illuminates another and can illuminate thousands of other(s). " (from A Calendar of Wisdom, Tolstoy).
Light a candle or curse the darkness?
* * * * *
The other day I got on an elevator at work with 7 young men half my age. I could make out their outlines and heard their banter about the new job interview suits they had acquired. We have a job training academy in my building which offers slightly used suits for first-time job seekers who do not own one.
One of the young men saw my staff badge and asked what kind of work I did in the building. I told him my job title and a brief summary of my duties. He wanted to know how long I had been doing it and what type of training I needed. After a few moments of silence I felt a thought come to my mind that uncharacteristically escaped my lips before even thinking about it.
" You know, men, we have to all look out for each other. We have to police each other and make sure we are all doing the right thing here because if one of us fails it makes it hard for the rest of us. "
*****
Almost shocked at my own words an immediate hush fell over that elevator as it opened to the third floor hallway and seven young men in suits filed out. They walked a little straighter, a little taller and somehow I knew that each of those 7 men would tell 7 more. The one who had started the conversation earlier turned around just as the elevator door was closing and said quickly, "Thanks man, thanks. "
*****
For the rest of the day I heard my own voice ringing in my ears and deep inside I heard my stepfather Joe, my father the Lt. Col. and my Grandpop the Preacher all saying at once, " Make us proud, Son. Make us proud. "
When was the last time you decided to spontaneously light a candle in the hearts of those around you?
Respectfully submitted,
Spiritual Warrior Rev. Leslie Wilson-Farrell
"One individual who lives and vibrates to the energy of optimism and a willingness to be nonjudgment... more