A Crack of Light
December 18, 2016
Yes, it is the week before Christmas and we are all scurrying around finishing our list of things to do so we can ultimately slow down and not only enjoy the company of friends and family but hopefully deliver a little joy here and there.
This is also the week that we like to share with you the recipient of our Home Transformation Giveaway. I want to start by saying that we are honored to receive such amazing nominations from you.
It was humbling to hear about a young couple who are making profound sacrifices so they can serve the needs of their family and the health challenges of a new child.
The story of the great organizations that serve our community.
And of a mother who is not only bravely dealing with her own debilitating health challenges but those of her children as well.
Sigh. As far as I am concerned, the people and organizations whose stories have been shared with us are living angels and saints.
And we also thank each and every person who took the time to write to us and nominate such deserving families and groups. The one thing in common that all the individuals who made a nomination had was that they all desired to help bring “a little sunshine” into a deserving family or organizations day. Isn’t that what it’s really all about?
So, who did our committee choose? I wish I could reveal more details (and I will) but we are actually surprising this family tonight and letting them know they have been chosen for our 2016 Home Transformation.
I can tell you this. Our gift of a room transformation will not make their story a better one. Our hope is to simply be a small crack of light in a time of darkness. A small gesture to show our family that with all the things they have to bear; the light of love, hope and passion will shine again one day. K. Renee will be creating a room that hopefully creates a sense of renewal, calm and light.
There are two quotes that really resonate as I think of this story. The beautiful quote by Rumi which says, “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”
And one of my favorite songs (anthems) from the late poet and singer Leonard Cohen. He reminds us … "Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in."
The light that shines in our lives is simply everything. And the beautiful thing is that creating small cracks of light for yourself and others can be so simple.
I suppose that is why I love the holidays so much. It is a time when I know I have the capacity to not only make people (especially my loved ones) smile but myself as well. A few weeks ago, I mentioned my goal of lighting up a tree outside my house so it was just south of tacky.
Well, I think I met that goal with several trips to the store to buy lights galore, the construction of shimmering over-sized ornaments for the tree, and two sessions with my nephew to actually get the lights on my 36 foot plus tree.
I know, I know… it sounds like a lot of time and effort. But each and everytime that I drive home after a long day at work or look outside my window, I smile. That smile for me is a crack of light, a shimmer of joy, and hope for a bright future. A feeling worth the time and effort.
The moral of my little story… don’t wait for someday to do something for yourself that will shine your light. Create the home that gives you joy. Pick out an outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks. And of course, I happen to know a place that can handle all of that for you (shameless plug.)
So, as I sign off for today, I challenge you to think about how you can light up your own life or someone else's. It doesn’t need to be complicated.
It can be simply giving your full attention to someone who needs it. Baking a batch of warm chocolate chip cookies and delivering them to someone who needs a pick up. Sharing your story so others know that they are not alone. Going off ‘the list’ and picking out a gift that is totally unexpected. Doing something for yourself (even if it’s silly like my tree) that you know will simply make you feel happy.
I’d like to make a virtual toast to finish out 2016 in style...
Here is to shining your light wherever you can. That is how we have the power to make our world just a little bit brighter.
I look forward to sharing more about our
Home Transformation Giveaway next week.
Have the happiest of holidays,
xoxo
Julie