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Thursday, August 28, 2008

what kind of light am i?


My great grandfather Arthur B Clinger was one of the early Stake Presidents of the San Diego region back when it stretched from Oceanside to Yuma, AZ. He later became the Stake Patriarch (the youngest called in the church at the time) giving almost everyone who lived in that region between WWII and and 1975 (I think) their patriarchal blessing. Even my patriarch got his from my great grandfather. Anyway, he had told my grandmother who had told me later on that we are all stars in this great universe. Some of us are great, bright stars who guide others with our consistent testimonies and Christlike lives. There are others who are bright but not always seen - when found those stars can be helpful to those looking for direction. Then there are others who are not as full of light as others - they can't help others because they themselves need to find the light. All stars are loved, needed and apart of the universe - each of us plays a part - but what light are you?

About 73 years ago I lived in this place called Atlanta - quite the strange place - hard to find - very mysterious. One day as I wondered the halls of the church there I was feeling full of wisdom and spoke to a friend about light. I asked her, "what kind of light are you?" This conversation continued for a few Sundays...but eventually it died off.

Recently my mind has wandered in much the same way and the blessing of losing my 24/7 connection to the world via losing my phone in a cab has helped me to connect inward. This has led to insanity on many levels - but now that I am connected to my insanity I have found myself feeling wise again - this is a rare day!

What kind of light am I? Do I lead or do I follow?

The sun
At the center of all things - it is consistent - gives off light, energy, life, direction and warmth. All things follow the sun.

The moon
Basically reflects light from the sun to others when the sun cannot be seen. Though it moves consistently - there are times it can not be seen or seemingly, disappears. The moon both leads and follows.

The stars
Light varies - depending how far they are from us - how old or young they are - how large or small they may be. Some give off strong light and provide consistent direction through the night - while others can hardly be seen. Stars are both leaders and followers depending on their strength.

Halogen
Manmade-Bright, clear, gets hot easily, burn out if left on too long.

Flood Light
Manmade-Bright, long-lasting - used for security purposes or light up large areas.

Flashlight
Manmade-Depending on what brand you buy, batteries used and the bulb it uses can burn out quickly or last awhile. Used to find one's way through the darkness.

Christmas Tree lights or Track Lighting
Manmade-Nice for decoration - superficial and not always too reliable.

Fluorescent
Manmade-Bad for your eyes - provides a false reality of color - overbearing and overused!

That's my list anyway...what kind of light are you?

Please add to my list or make suggestions for definitions

Oh and by the way - I may not be the brightest light or star for that matter - but I am working on becoming the kind of light that warms others, gives life and direction to the lost and weary. I know that as follow the one constant light of the universe I will one day become the kind of light that can do as He does.

My friends, one thing my great grandfather did not include is that we may think we are dim stars in the distant not giving off light or leading others to safety - but so often WE ARE!!! with a smile, a hug, kind words, a text or a prayer - please never underestimate the power of the light you have within! REMEMBER to share and cherish the light you have, receive and give to others.

You have been caught Jey Walking!

3 comments:

robert said...

ambient: not too showy, sometimes hidden, warm and inviting

loradona said...

What about strobe lights? Inconsistent, frustrating, and altogether useless in helping you find your way, but ultimately good at making you look good at dancing, even if you suck.
Um, I have no idea what kind of a metaphor that is. I don't think I am a strobe light; I prefer your grandfather's star analogy.

jey walker gladstone said...

i like the comments. Loradona - you crack me up!