The sun has disappeared.
Stolen, perhaps. Or maybe it’s sleeping, on vacation, or vanished into thin air.
Not really, of course, because its morning light enables me to clearly see everything in my backyard.
And yet, I cannot see the sun, the source of the light. I can’t even tell where it might be, because it is hidden by such a dense layer of fog that I can barely see the lake beyond the yard.
I take it as a good reminder for those times when I wonder how much of a difference I am making. It never seems to be as much as I’d like. But maybe the light I put into the world has a bigger reach than I can imagine, even though the source is hidden.
Maybe a print of mine hangs on a wall somewhere, constantly reminding its owner of a story I shared that meant something to them.
And maybe the constant exposure to that art inspires that person — perhaps even subconsciously — to act on the moral of that story in a manner that improves their situation, heals a relationship, or makes an unforgettable memory with someone they love.
Any people on the receiving end of that action would have no idea where the original spark came from. They’d probably never guess that it began years ago at an event when someone heard a speaker that struck a chord and decided to buy some art as a souvenir.
Meanwhile, it’s not required for the art owner to acknowledge or even remember my role in the chain of events for the light I shared way back when to have made a difference.
Just like I don’t have to see the sun to prove its impact.
What’s true about the sun is true about me, and it’s true about you as well.
You may never see the impact of all the light you are sharing in this dark world. You may not receive the warm feelings of a standing ovation or a thank you note for a job well done. You may never get the credit you deserve on this side of eternity.
The difference you make may be invisible.
Keep shining anyway. ☀️
Your light still makes a difference, even if you can’t see it.
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