The Important Blessing of Sharing Light with Others

I have always loved the symbolism of the lighthouse. The dependable light that guides the weary traveler into safe harbor during the darkness and the storms at sea. These lights are particularly important to help navigate around those reefs and rocks that are hidden in the night beneath the water: warning of the dangers that would damage and destroy.

We can find many parallels of our life to ships on the sea and the guiding influence of Light.

My elderly parents recently needed to move into a care center. As you can imagine, the change has been a difficult one. They recognize the need and the blessing of available help, but the loss of their former life is making them sad.

They are having a hard time navigating through their new conditions and we are discovering some hidden obstacles that we weren’t previously aware of.

As our family has rallied around them and has offered what help we could, we have realized the truth taught by Spencer W. Kimball:

“God does notice us, and He watches over us. But it is usually through another person that He meets our needs.”

Last week I visited my mother on a particularly busy day for me and I hadn’t planned to stay long. When I arrived, I discovered that it was a rather dark day for her. She was feeling a bit lost and desperately needed a guiding light. For a moment, I struggled with my timeframe knowing that this visit would put me severely behind if I stayed long.

Then the Keeper of All Light whispered to me, “I was in prison and ye came unto me”. (Matthew 25:36)

This Light changed my course, and I knew then that there was nothing more important than being with her.

As seekers of Light and Truth, we will often be called upon to share our light with others. As we do this, we will receive help from on high with our other responsibilities. He will not only guide us into safety and lead us beside the still waters, but He will also illuminate our minds with truth, for He has promised:

“I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.” (John 12:46)

Whatever Light we receive as disciples of Christ, we should be willing to share with others, especially with those struggling in the darkness.