Spotlight On The World

Words, when they come to life are an amazing thing. Whether their effect on us is through something we’ve read or by word of mouth, when words come to life they are amazing. When they linger with you for days, tumbling around in your heart and mind like the delicate cycle on your dryer, in constant motion gently nudging you to take a closer look, you must. I have had a string of words shared by a complete stranger floating and twisting around as though windblown for some time. They come close to being still and landing as though the wind died down, yet before I can grasp their full meaning, they again take flight.

photo credit: littlemisswordy

These are the words: God has given each of us a light. It is up to us to shine that light on others. If you only use your light as a spotlight, you are not using your light to its full potential. If the sun only shone on a small number of crops, all the other crops even those closest to the light would wither and die because they were not touched by the light. As uncomfortable as it may make you, as difficult as it may be, you must shine your light on others.

This week’s events have been disheartening in so many ways. I don’t often watch the news because it depresses me to see so much evil being reported. After the bombing at the Boston Marathon, I’ve been watching the news quite a bit. Just as I was about to retreat back into my bubble, having had enough of the horrific news reports, I heard about the explosions in West, Texas, a town just north of Waco where my son was born seven years ago.

Again, I become glued to the news and what do I see upon further inspection? I see those words come to life. I see spotlights in the midst of tragedy so great that not too long ago would have been something seen on a movie screen or written in a book you can’t put down…something we could imagine because to believe it could truly affect us in the real world was impossible. The longer I watch the news the more those spotlights expand, shining a light so great it reaches out and blankets all of those affected, breathing hope into those left behind to face our reality.

I wasn’t planning on writing about these tragedies, believing there was nothing I could contribute that hadn’t already been shared, believing I could not bring words to life that would offer comfort, believing there was nothing I could say to shed new light on the subject. Maybe there isn’t, but not sharing the words of this complete stranger would be the equivalent of turning my own spotlight off.

Resolved – Weekly Photo Challenge

Photo Credit: littlemisswordy

RESOLVED : WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE

I believe in fresh starts, new chapters, and clean slates. I believe January 1st is a great opportunity to once again put things in perspective and make both practical and totally unrealistic goals. Life can be harsh enough without us passing up an invitation to dream. Dream big and dream often because on occasion we surprise ourselves by slowly walking in the direction of those dreams and sometimes unbeknownst to us actually stepping onto the exact path that will make those dreams come true. You see, sometimes when we let ourselves dream, really let ourselves believe we can accomplish that dream, something crazy and unexpected happens. We do it! And the reward is just as sweet as the journey my friends. So don’t frown on your past mistakes or failures. Don’t beat yourself up for the unfinished projects or long forgotten fantasies. Don’t mock those who make their resolutions year after year, because resolutions are hopes, dreams, and goals and who’s to say January 1 isn’t as good as June 6 or September 21 for a resolution. There is no designated date or time to dream. It’s an unscheduled event which requires no invitation or appointment.

My resolve this year is to finally face my fears and hop in one of these kayaks. They’ve been mocking me for years as I walk past them. They pose, show their true colors and allow the light to hit them just so…inviting me to dream, daring me to hope, and strengthening my resolve that I will climb into their bright shells and drift closer to my goal.

P.S. If I haven’t posted in a few weeks, send out a search party.

What do you dare to resolve, hope or dream?

Wild Weekly Photo Challenge: Sunsets

Photo Credit: littlemisswordy.com

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Let’s Be Wild Weekly Photo Challenge – Sunsets

At the age of 2, he couldn’t grasp the concept of one day ending and another beginning. Every night we had a version of the same conversation always beginning with, “Mommy, when is it tomorrow?” Ever a mom, ever encouraging a good night’s sleep and rest for all, my standard response was always, “Well the sun goes down so it can be rested enough to shine on us again all day tomorrow. Once the sun wakes up and starts to shine, and starts to peek through your window, we know it is tomorrow.” Truth be told, I often followed it up with, “then and only then, should you get out of bed and wake mommy up” but I digress.

The above photo was taken on a little weekend getaway with a girlfriend at a time during which she was making some tough decisions regarding her future. I captured this photo at a spot that brings her peace of mind, a spot that fills her lungs and fills her soul. Life changing decisions can leave us paralyzed with fear…fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of being alone. And while there is hope in a rising sun, there is also something to be said for a sunset. Laying the past to rest, facing a new beginning, and the unfaltering assurance that the sun will again shine down on us tomorrow.

Path of Promises (Weekly Photo Challenge – Geometry)

Ever had a day when you wish you could walk on a path of promises? Me too…for now I’ll settle for the hope just a glimpse can give.