At this time of year, the jack o’ lanterns are out on front stoops, facial features aglow with dancing light from their inner candles. I recently heard an Albert Schweitzer quote that made me think of this jack o’ lantern image as we approach Halloween. It’s a beautiful sentiment that also leads us into November, a month of giving thanks. I wanted to share it with you:
At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.
I think we all have a little fire inside us–a light that sustains, that guides, that gives hope, that provides purpose. I also think we’ve all felt what it’s like when that light dims or even extinguishes. Has there been a particular moment that you can remember when your inner light felt dim or whooshed out? Or maybe you have lows that are more cyclical or are triggered by certain events or thoughts or dates?
When your light went out, what did you do? How did you respond to the feeling? Who rekindled your flame? How did he or she do it?
Have you expressed gratitude to that person for helping to restore your inner light? This week, I’d like you to write about what Schweitzer’s quote means to you. Perhaps you could write it in the form of a thank you note to the person who helped you out of the darkness. If you feel able, please share your story in the comments below.
