I’m sure you’ve come across at least one person who made a huge difference in your life either through their words, their actions or simply their being. The last week has been a very emotionally charged one for me and it got me thinking of people who’ve made an impact on my life. I’m not even sure they know about it. Most of us go through life lighting lamps in the lives of others without even realizing it.
Let me share how our simple acts can bring change and light via this beautiful story.
We went to the outskirts of Bourke, where all the Aborigines were living in those little small shacks made of tin and old cardboard. I entered one of those little rooms and told the man living there, “Please allow me to make your bed, wash your clothes, to clean your room.”
He kept saying, “I’m alright, I’m alright.”
”But you will be more alright if you allow me to do it.”
Then he allowed me, and at the end, he pulled from his pocket a little old photograph of his father. I said, “You are so like your father.” He was overjoyed. I blessed the photo, gave it to him, and it went back into the pocket near his heart.After I cleaned the room I found in the corner a big lamp, full of dirt. I said, “Don’t you light this lamp, such a beautiful lamp?”
He replied, “For whom? Months and months nobody has ever come to me. For whom will I light it?”
So I said, “Won’t you light it if the Sisters come to you?”
And he said, “Yes.”
So the Sisters started going to visit him for only about 5 to 10 minutes a day. They started lighting that lamp. After some time the man got into the habit of lighting the lamp himself. Slowly, slowly, slowly, the Sisters stopped going to his shack (although they used to go every morning). I forgot completely about my first visit, and then after two years he sent word, “Tell Mother, my friend, the light she lit in my life is still burning.”– adapted from Mother Teresa, Come Be My Light
Can you recall with gratitude all those who lit a lamp in your life? Are you lighting lamps in the lives of others?
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This is a lovely story, and touched my heart.
I do. I silently express my gratitude to each one who has helped me in the process of my healing. I know healing can be a life long process, sometimes may be requiring another birth but it came to me pretty early and it is because of those wonderful human beings. And, I try to extend the same kindness to others.
I am extremely grateful to people touched my life with their love and positive light. The story is so heart warming.
Take Corinne… love and hugs for you.
Yet another beautiful thought and heart warming post shared by you, Corinne.
The candle should be lit every day to keep the flame burning within. A tender story that melts the heart. Beautiful.
I say thank you each day everytime U realize how blessed I am. All struggles are blessings too. This post has reminded me about why I do what I do. Just beautiful.
Thank you for sharing such a heartwarming story, Corinne. As Anamika mentioned, I always silently express my gratitude to however small the things maybe. I try my best to spread love and kindness. Hugs <3
Such a lovely story. I surly hope that I do become a source of light in someones life.
All we need is lamps and hands to light them.Thanks for the inspiration.
Last evening, I had visited a local bakery products store to buy a few trinkets for the wife. While the shop owner’s helper was searching for the products, I asked the owner for a glass of water. As I was about to drink, he stopped me and said a simple line, “Please sit down and drink.”
My mind recorded that event, a simple warm gesture. Unknowingly, this shop owner has become a little lamp in the corner of my mind and through me, his light will shine.
What a wonderful post. It’s made me reflect on those in my life who have lit a lamp inside me, either to spur me on with encouragement, or to bring light when I was at my darkest.
Thanks, Lynda. There are so many we forget, don’t we?