Lighting the Flames

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." Albert Schweitzer

So it's the month of love and romance again. How's that going for you? As you might imagine, I have a suggestion for bringing special meaning to Valentine's Day in particular, and the Love Month, in general. What if we took Dr. Schweitzer's advice and spent some time remembering the people in our lives who have rekindled our flame? Well, first we'd have to determine what he meant by that term. I think he's referring to the idea that we are here en masse, instead of one at a time, for a reason - to help each other, to lift each other up, and to light each other's flames when one of us is having a hard time. We do this by reminding each other of our greatness, by encouraging one another to refuse to hide our light under a bushel, and by inspiring our family and friends to believe in themselves by showing them how much we believe in them. And in spite of all this, sometimes our light does go out, only to be rekindled by someone else's spark just when we need it most.

Are there people in your life who have rekindled your spark? Why not take advantage of the Love Month to tell them you appreciate them? Mention specifically what they did or said that meant so much to you and the difference they made in your life. Write a letter or tell them in person, leave a voicemail, or even a text message. The means of communication isn't important; the message is. Spread the flame!