Of light and life

Money can’t buy love or happiness. We all think we know that. We all think we believe that. But if we do, I wonder why I wonder at how difficult it is to actually live that. Not to mention then trying to explain to someone else why I would. And, I’ve never found that cliché’ very useful in explaning my life’s choices either. It’s almost offensive to refer to it. Is it true, but not convincing?

The front page of the Dallas Morning News yesterday (Christmas Day) held an article that named some of Dallas’ “business legends”. “Men of brilliance”, -men and women who were grossly successful, rich, famous. Many of them were quoted in “seventeen pearls of wisdom” shared as a Christmas treasure. I have to admit to being impressed with their life’s mottos, their comments, their reasons. I even began to feel for a second that my life was dwarfed and dull in comparison. Yet boldly spread over the title of the whole article -as if spawning it all- was an outstanding quote that quickly challenged my comparisons. The words were Sir Winston Churchill’s:

“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles with it.” -Sir Winston Churchill

If knowledge is light… The best knowledge I have is also THE Light, THE Truth, and THE Way.

And if we are candles… well, candles only give. (And even better when they are set out, “giving light to the entire house”.) Then they burn until they are finished. –Unless, of course, they are never lit, or, they are blown out. -Then they are saved and will last forever.

I’ve always loved the Family tradition we have of a candlelight ceremony on New Year’s Eve. I’ve loved reflecting on these three things: what I’m most thankful for from the past year, what my prayer is for the New Year, and what verse I’ll claim and take my stand on for the New Year.

I think I have found a quote to claim this year. And a new answer to an old and familiar question.

My prayer: I’d like to make my Savior, the Light and the Love of my life, happy. -By simply staying “lit”. Without gain. Just to burn.