Another great movie: "A Man Named Otto." Lately, the word "light" has been getting my attention and watching this film today brings this word more to my consciousness.
Otto was in the depths of grief after his young wife, pregnant six months, had died after a train accident and paralyzed. His whole life was dark after that, to the point of attempting suicide several times but averted by one situation after another.
Neighbors had befriended him, including a feral cat. He finally had an awakening and decided to live and not be the crank that he had been. Even in his most crankiness he was light to others in more ways than what he even realized.
I wonder if the trick, however, is to be conscious of how we can be light to others. Situations can present themselves to each of us but do we slow down long enough to see how they can be of light to others? Personally, it may take awhile to ponder, quiet down and listen to the small, still voice to see what is feasible.
Grief, ill health, laziness and a whole slew of things can divert us but just think what would happen if each of us recognized that every single one of us can be light to another.
Like the priest shared at mass today, we have an hour more of daylight than what we had at Christmas time. It's not only the time of day that brings light but each one of us brings light in big ways and small ways.
How can each of us brighten up the room by God's light inside of us when we enter a room. A smile? Leaving our own troubles outside? Speaking kindly, not complaining? How about giving it a try!
