The threads that connect us are not bound by space or time. At times, the threads are pulled tight, and either you are touched, or you touch another. And even when those threads seem irreparably frayed...they never break. Not completely.
Life is not only a factor of who our threads will inevitably tangle with; it's also a matter of what we do when those threads do meet.
Angels Who Visit Walmart
I recently chatted with an old friend, Randy. I've known Randy for over 30 years, and have always found him to be an exceptionally meek, humble person who has always been fully dedicated to the Lord and His gospel.
Several years ago, Randy ended up going through a very dark, rocky time in his life. It was unfortunate, and it left him alone and depressed. One night, he decided to leave his apartment and go to Walmart, just to see some people and hopefully get his spirits boosted. He walked there with his head bowed and his countenance fallen. As he was about to leave Walmart, he caught eyes with an elderly woman seated on a bench. She smiled at him, radiating a look of pure acceptance and love. She said something nice to Randy, and they had a short discussion. He ended up leaving Walmart not only a better man, but also a changed man, fully dedicated to spending every day, for the rest of his life, giving a smile to others...even complete strangers.
Every morning, Randy prays that Father will send him a person to smile at. Every night, he thanks Father for all the people who were brought to him, so he could smile at them. Unbelievably, his smile even radiates through a cell phone. Randy elevates, strengthens, inspires and enlightens -- literally. Father supplies him with a rich abundance of light, which Randy then shares with others.
And in so sharing that light, Randy is brought closer not only to the other person...but also to God.
A Challenge
Tomorrow is the summer solstice -- the day when God blesses us with the most physical light during the year.
How could this affect your spirituality?
Check out the scripture included in the banner at the top of this website:
"That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day." (D&C 50:24)
Looked at in another "light", the summer solstice is a terrific day to bow down before God and to recommit to pass on as much light to others as possible.
As you can see, when you receive light (in my opinion, in gratitude and a commitment to share it with others), you receive more light (for which you will be grateful, and could share, when appropriate, with others). This process continues in a never-ending spiral of greater and greater light until you enjoy The Perfect Day.
Let tomorrow be your day of recommitment. Of greater light. Of greater love. (If you'd like some music to help get you in the mood, go check out Ryan Stewart's website. Select either song #9 or #15 at the top right).
In my next post, we'll discuss just that -- beings of light.
Thanks for the beautiful post. It's sometimes the simple things like a walk through a place like wal-mart that make all the difference in our lives. Awesome story. I hope Randy knows how contagious his smiling as this story has left me smiling because of the simple love passed along those threads.
ReplyDeleteTomorrow morning I will wake my family early in the dark. We are going to watch the sun rise on the top of the peak of a nearby mountain. I am hoping for some love of God to be with us as we recognize his hand in the movement of the cosmos. As we pray further for the perfect day, I hope the Lord will bless us with the righteous desire of our hearts.