"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within. " -Elizabeth Kübler-Ross
I loved this quote when I saw it. Especially now, at a time when things are tough and people are frightened. Doom and gloom is being reported everywhere and most of us know someone who is impacted negatively in some way.
People are going through all sorts of worries, their pension plans are down; jobs are gone or in jeopardy; uncertainty and change surround us every day; we are cutting back on expenses and hunkering down, we in fact are going back to basics.
The most basic we can be is knowing who we really are and seeing our own inner light!
How true is it that at times when the ‘sun is out’, good times in our lives, it’s easy to sparkle and be happy. Our real test of character comes when ‘darkness’ sets in. Whatever that darkness may be, it refers to some difficulty in your life, a battling relationship, job uncertainly, financial hardship, loss of loved ones, and illness are just some of the challenges we may face during the ‘darkness’.
No matter what the conditions, what is causing the darkness, if you are aware of your own light, that shines from an inner connection to something bigger than you, and can focus on it, your real beauty illuminates the ‘stained glass from within’. And more importantly, it shines on those around you and helps them find their own light.
Which brings me to Valentines day! What better gift to give someone than to hold up a metaphorical mirror to them so they can see their own light reflected! Many people have never felt loved or lovable or worthy of love; they have never understood how magnificent they really are, or the capacity they have to shine from the inside. Help someone understand that, in fact, help everyone you meet on Valentines day feel the light that radiates from within them.
People who have light inside them have eyes that sparkle. They radiate joy. Their hearts ‘sing’! They are connected to God/ Christ/ Source/the Universe. They know they are not alone, fighting a hard battle single handedly. They ask for help and have faith that it will come. They treat others with kindness and love and respect, no matter what their circumstances. They are happiest serving others.
So sometimes, our darkest of times are the best opportunities for us to truly find our own light and allow it to shine. Look around you and if you see someone who cannot see their own light, help them! Help them to understand how special they are; what gifts they have; how much they mean to you and what a difference they have made to your life.
Even if you don’t know them, share a smile with a stranger. Be kind. Offer help or a listening ear. Forget about yourself and help another find their own light and during that process I bet you will find your own light shines brighter!
How much better is a letter, or a chat in which you share with someone all the good things about them than some chocolates! Not that I have anything against chocolate but it doesn’t make us shine on the inside necessarily! LOL
This time of ‘darkness’ is a profound opportunity for us all to become magnificent stained glass windows bringing beauty and joy to everyone who sees us and bringing out the light in others.
This is sure to be the best Valentine’s day of your life!
