Light Keepers in Dark Times

In this season of the dark, and in the wake of recent losses among my family and friends, my thoughts turn tonight towards those who have passed on. Several in particular radiated a bright light from their hearts and lives, and I have deeply grieved their absence. I could choose to rail against the loss - why do the good die young? Why her? Why now? - but I found a reframe the other day when talking with a friend over coffee.

All those good people who shone their lights into our lives have altered us in such a way that we are forever brightened. We made memories with them. We learned from them. We have grown in our humanity and in our spirits because of our interactions with them.  

When we integrate the lights of all those beautiful souls into our own being it is like gathering dozens of candles together that cast far more light than our own individual candle could have given off. That collective candle power illuminates us, and transforms us into a lighthouse, casting a brilliant light outward into the night just as those other bright lights did for us, to bring hope, learning, and awareness to others.

As you contemplate the darkness tonight, remember that the light of those you love has not gone out. It has simply been passed on to you for safekeeping. You are the light keeper of many lights. May you shine brightly. The world needs you.

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