Lighting a Small Candle
“Better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness.” -Chinese proverb
As I contemplated what to write today, a thought came to my mind. What does a small candle in the darkness look like?
Always before, I’ve looked at this quote with the idea that my light doesn’t have to be large; it can be “one small candle.” Life will be just fine if I have a small light, a small impact in the world. That’s better than cursing the darkness. Get out there and be the light. Do something!
But last night I was reading with just one small bedside lamp. It’s light was focused on my book making the words clear to see. The rest of the room was in complete darkness. In that moment, it highlighted to me that one small light can be all we need. It focuses the light. In its solitude, it shines brighter.
At times the world can feel like a dark place. If one spends too much time watching the news, the weather, the media, politics, television, movies, social media, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. In those moments, honestly, I want to hide under my covers. Yes, in the dark, but safety of my own room. But having a light, even a small one, can light the path out of that darkness.
What I’m realizing is that I have that light, the light God has given me. I didn’t have to create one for myself. I didn’t light it. I only have to hold it and take one step at a time.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Psalm 119:105 NIV
2 Responses to “Lighting a Small Candle”
Beth, I enjoy reading your blog. It creates a me moment for thought and reflection in my busy day
Thank you! That was my hope with these posts!