My kids were watching a show this weekend. In this episode the heroes they had to reflect the available light to dispel the darkness. As I considered this principle, I thought how true. Elder Hales sated in the May 2002 Ensign:
“Light and darkness cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Light dispels darkness. When light is present, darkness is vanquished and must depart. More important, darkness cannot conquer light unless the light is diminished or departs.”
So if we take this principle, and put it into practice in our lives, we will seek light. One concept that has been impressed upon my mind from my early years is how we don't need to know how to produce light yet. Like the moon, we can be effective in all we are called to do by learning to be a better mirror, a better reflector of Christ. I love this picture in my mind, because I can see that as I remove dirt from my various parts, I can be better at reflecting Him in all I do. But even if I just let Him help me clean small parts, I am still better at fighting the darkness than before. This makes me happy. Perfection is not necessary to be contributing, and thank goodness for that.
Next I look to the stars. These tiny fragments in the firmament seem really quite insignificant by any standard when it comes to illuminating anything. Nonetheless, when used with skill, experience, and knowledge, they can help guide through any night. Mariners from the beginning have used the stars to guide them to safety. It is truly a matter that small and simple things can confound the wisdom of men.
In Alma 37:6 it says: Now ye may suppose that this is afoolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by bsmall and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
For me the stars help me to remember to not discount those easy thing in life that might not make total sense at first. It is okay for me not to understand the rotations of the earth, the process of creation, or string theory; but I am expected to use and put into practice what i do know for the betterment of others. Any constellation is of little worth if it is not constantly giving light to others, no matter the number of lumens it produces. That tiny contribution dispels darkness just a little more; thus, making the world a little brighter and better.
Finally, the sun. Man would have never thought to create, fire, lanterns, or light bulbs if we did not have the Son/ sun to emulate. I put both homonyms because they are both applicable. Personally, I don't believe any mortal stroke of genius is not the fruit of being in touch with the divine. Nor would man have contemplated being able to brighten the world without seeing the dawn break each morning. The light of the sun is gives life to all things through its energy. As does our Savior Jesus Christ give us life. The brightness of the sun is that we can not behold it with the mortal eyes. How glorious must the creator of that light be in person?
Now the days are shorter. The leaves are falling or gone. It is apparent we yearn for every ray of sunlight just a bit more, to warm our hearts and souls each day. When doing those small and simple things, don't get discouraged. Remember, no matter your output it will make a difference.
Smile and Savour the good in life.
Brownie
