Flashlights lit my nocturnal adventures as a boy. Going on a bear hunt indoors or out. Drawing light pictures on the ceiling. Reading Spiderman comic books under the covers long after bedtime. Just the possibility of getting caught made the latter exciting. Nothing better than “fooling” the adults!
Lying upstairs at Mamaw’s house at night, watching shadows dance as headlights zip down 8th Street, briefly illuminating the Venetian blinds.
Singing the traditional children’s song, “This Little Light of Mine.” In fact, I’m singing as I write:
This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine,
This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine,
This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Why my fascination with light?
Light makes darkness less scary.
Light lifts my spirit.
Light awakens creativity.
Light reveals truth.
Leaders are lights on this planet. When we share our expertise we are lighting others’ viewpoints. And that light is as indelible as stars – It shines long after the source is gone.
By the way, the “children’s song” isn’t just for kids at all. Before you judge me a simpleton, know that I’m actually in fairly hip company. Bruce Springsteen included the ditty on his 2007 Live in Dublin album.
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! I hope you will too. Don’t let the relatively small size of that light deter you. One cell phone is awfully bright in a dark movie theater. Your light likewise shines brighter than you might think. So let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
© 2015 Russ Riddle. All rights reserved.