This week, Kriyabans from the Assisi Institute will share aspects of the spiritual life as Isha Das turns to other work on our behalf. Today’s reflection comes from Katie Lawler-Melia.
“A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.”
Saint Francis of Assisi
This quote from St. Francis means a great deal to me. The world’s current state of affairs represents the shadows, and the single sunbeam represents my choice to shine light on the shadows through my actions and thoughts. As well, the butterfly effect reminds me that everything and everyone is connected. A recent experience at a coffee shop drive-thru made both of these very real. When the woman in front of me in the drive-thru turned around and made eye contact, I noticed and smiled back. When it was my turn at the window, the cashier told me with tears in her eyes that the woman ahead of me had paid for my order. She turned my day around! When I told the cashier that I wanted to pay for the person behind me, she told me how happy and hopeful it made her to witness these random acts of kindness. As I drove away I felt deep gratitude for the entire experience. It felt good to receive, and it felt good to give. I went from being in an unconscious state, just going through the motions, to a present, awake state that felt like floating in an ocean of joy, gratitude, hope, and peace. It wasn’t the monetary gift that transformed me, but rather the experience of witnessing and participating in kindness, shining sunbeams into the shadows.
Divine Mother,
When I have an opportunity
To shine the smallest of lights
Into the shadows,
Wake me up.
