Moonlight

Moonlight. In reality there is no such thing. The light we see from the moon is only a reflection of the sun's light. The moon acts like a giant mirror and bounces rays of sunlight back to us.

Even so on a dark night, that reflected light reveals landmarks that help us find our way. Moonlight also sheds light on dangerous obstacles: the curb to step over; the tree requiring a detour; the stranger lurking in the shadows.

Like moonlight, aid workers, social workers, clergy, intake workers, community organizers, and counselors are obvious light reflectors. By connecting needs with resources, by suggesting options and strategies, by listening to need and collaborating for solutions, they help those on the periphery find their way through the darkness.  

But they're not the only ones with moonlight. Think of the heroes in your life, the ones who empowered you to try one more time. Most often they just found some way to care, like the friend who years ago brought me a yellow gerbera (looks like a yellow daisy) on a bleak day.

"I thought you'd like some sunshine," she said.

And so it arrived via moonlight.

"More and more, the desire grows in me simply to walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps...to have the time to practice the ministry of presence...I wonder if the first thing (before meetings and social organizing) should be to know people by name, to eat and drink with them, to listen to their stories and tell your own, and to let them know with words, handshakes, and hugs that you do not simply like them, but truly love them." --Henri Nouwen, quoted in Connections, January 2013.

Being present. Something any one of us can do -- even those of us on the periphery. Go light your world!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtIIFJIxdUw