“Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being.  Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light.”

— Albert Schweitzer

We are all connected.  Not one of us walks this earth alone, even though there are times when we might feel very separate and solitary.  Even though our day’s work might find us flying solo, we must remember the truth — that each of us is part of something much bigger than we sometimes imagine.  We do our best to cast light on our world, to shine in the darkness that sometimes comes our way; but there are days when it seems that we might burn out and be consumed by the difficulties and challenges we face as we walk through life.

It is important to remember that we are not alone.  Even those whose light shines the brightest may come to face obstacles that seem so daunting that they feel the darkness and begin to give in to feelings of despair or defeat.  It is when our own light is nearly out that we can see the lights of others shining all around us.  All it takes is a kind word or an outstretched hand, and suddenly we discover that we are glowing again — encouraged and rekindled and ready to resume our work.

It really doesn’t matter who you might be today.   You could be the smoldering wick, or you could be the match that touches it and reignites the flame.  It really doesn’t matter which role you play, because the fire belongs to no one person — it belongs to us all.  Whether we shine radiantly and touch the smoldering fire of another with love and encouragement, or whether we are that person who needs a reminder that nobody walks alone, we are part of something huge and shining and beautiful.  When we reach out our light and touch one another, every one of us glows brighter.

Whoever you may be today — the wick or the flame — do your part in keeping the fire burning.  You are not alone.