Friday, August 31, 2007

Circle of Light

Last week I had the opportunity to work with a special group of people at Mcrest, an organization that gives people the opportunity to have a place to sleep and eat with dignity, when they could be on the streets in a truly homeless condition. One thing that struck me while there, was really the attitude of the people who were volunteering. There was a true camaraderie and a true love for doing things in a good way for this group of men who were in need. It was a true spirit of giving, whether cutting up vegetables in the kitchen, emptying trash, or picking up laundry.

I had the privilege of being able to help in the kitchen and one of the cool things that I got to see was a group of people who were really concerned about getting good food out to the men dining there. It was cool to see people preparing food with an attitude of "would this be something I would eat?" instead of a "ahh, just give them whatever." The volunteers were truly acting and providing in a fashion of feeding the men food they would make for themselves at home. What really made it cool, was also that we sat down with the men and ate with them.

In the midst of all the donations, some things were short and different people were pitching in to help out. It was really proof of the story Stone Soup, leaving a lesson that if we all give a little, it somehow turns into a lot. Life tends to be that way, whether in business or pleasure, it's good to work to change the world, even starting with ourselves, a little change or a little giving or a little something can have a ripple affect for good on people and circumstances around us. As Christians, we are called to be that little bit of salt that seasons the earth. When we are that salt, we give God and men the opportunity and hope to make a difference.

For some reason, this brought to mind a note, or poem, or piece of prose (whatever you want to call it) that I wrote for my wife about our lives and family some time ago. It kind of brings to mind that whole impact and touch we have on each other throughout our lives.

Circle of Light

There is a circle of light that glistens as it weaves around us

Flowing and Ebbing to the tune of life and love

When two circles of light run into each other

Sometimes comes laughter sometimes tears


But there is no denying the strength of the beat

as two circles of light run together around us

growing stronger

Meeting you, seeing that light in your eyes

Made the light in mine rejoice

Reflections of light became golden rings on our fingers

Tokens of light, Tokens of love

Symbols of a Light, Eternal Divine

As we strive and grow

As we weave to the beat

Those circles of light get stronger and brighter

Richer and Deeper

As our circle of light dimmed in comparison to our Savior

He strengthened that light with His love

Joining and completing the circle

Weaving it unbreakable making it sing

in spite of sadness

in spite of pain

Then that circle of light spread into more

Four bright circles weave into ours

Growing in light, Growing in Love

One more soon to be

Weaving a glowing thread of light

one day to shine on their own

yet ever reaching, strengthened and weaving with ours

As the circle's of light dance and weave through the night

May we always weave our light with His

To share and touch our friend, our neighbor, our enemy

and each other

Learning to dance and share that Precious Light

Truly the light in my eyes and heart has not gone out for you, my wife, may we grow together to share His light with our world. I love you my dearest!