Lighting the World

I dropped a bunch of matches in my office on the way to light a candle. As I picked them up, one by one, I thought of a gift received at a dear friend’s 80th birthday celebration. Each person was given a small glass jar of matches with the message, “Light up your lives.” What I found out later is that her daughter put all the matches inside the containers, but they were too long. To allow them to fit, she first had to cut the ends off of the matches. So as I picked up each match, I remembered the celebration and how much joy filled the room. Much laughter and many stories were shared as we feasted around tables with friends and family. The celebrated woman has touched and continues to touch so many lives, she certainly lights up the world with her vitality and life. May I also strive to pass the spark and light up the world with God’s love.