How to be a candle not a firework...
The sky stretches inky black above us as we wait for the first spark to light it with color.
Bang.
Then the evening is filled with red and blue and yellow. We ooh-and-aah as each firework explodes and sends ashes to the ground.
When it's over we walk back into the house--back to the ordinary of dishes, laundry and conversations about what we'll do tomorrow.
As I drift off to sleep a quote someone once shared with me drifts across my mind, "Be a candle not a firework." In other words, shine brightly for a lifetime not just a brief, spectacular time.
But how do we do this?
Three ways to perhaps make it happen...
* Live with intention - Fireworks are scattered. A million sparks in a thousand directions. Candles burn with a single flame. Be thoughtful about how we spend your time, affection and resources.
* Stay Steady - We love fireworks because of the thrill and excitement. Candles aren't quite as glamorous but they last much longer. Sure, we can have "firework moments" and that's great. In daily life, be quietly faithful to what God has called us to do.
* Go for Substance, not Show - A firework is flashy and draws a crowd. But as a source of light and warmth, well, they don't quite do the trick. Stay true to our purpose, even when it seems no one notices.
I'm all for fireworks and I'll be staring at the sky with a smile of wonder this time next year. But there are 364 days in between. And on those it will be candles that glow in my home.
Each time I light one and set it on a dinner table or in a window, I'll remember that sometimes being steady, faithful, and intentional can make us shine brighter than we will ever fully realize.
{You shine. Oh, how you do. Keep it up, friend.}
p.s. I spent this weekend celebrating the 80th birthday of one of my favorite "candles"--my Granny Eula. She's a woman of faith who has brightened all of our lives! This picture of us was taken at her party.
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Holley Gerth
Reader Comments (54)
What a lovely photo. I'm thankful you had the opportunity to celebrate your grandmother. That faithful heritage is another amazing blessing. You shine, too, Holley. God bless you.
There's another comparison I love that I want to share with you. "Let your life be like a snowflake, leaving a mark but never a stain."
Thank you for shining your love and light into my life when I need it the most.
Blessings!
how great to spend time with family i will see my 90 yr old mother tomorrow
Good one! I aspire to being a candle. Mostly I go off with a boom, spray the air with hot, stinging flashes and then fizzle out in a puff of putrid smoke. If I were to become a candle, it would probably be the outlawed "gel" kind that ends up setting the house on fire. Thank heavens I'm a work in progress with an architect who's out of this world! LOL
Holley this is just the message I need to hear right now . . . . before I fizzle out from trying to sparkle!
Learning this... learning this...
It seems like it would be so much more exciting to be a firework, but I agree that God calls us to be candles.
I'm amazed by how you take everyday happenings and turn them into spiritual thoughts of encouragement.
I really like the concept of being a candle, a slow burning flicker... remember the song 'this little light of mine?' it is a small beginning with great potential. Always enjoy your posts. take care
Holley, You might think you are a candle; but, I'm pretty sure your life is compared to fireworks around the world in all the many lives you touch with all your God given writing talents! A very happy birthday to your precious grandmother..some of her sparkle rubbed off on you!
Great! Lovely thoughts of the here and now and the possibilities.
Hi Holley,
Thanks for sharing the great thought!
Now I know how to be a candle and not a firework! :)
God bless you and your writing!
Sincerely,
Alexis