I love this time of year. The long days are always so full of light. It starts in the morning when the sun rises quietly over the far hill and knocks gently on my window to wake me up. It continues as I walk my dogs outside and watch the pink and purple clouds slowly turn to gold. The light continues all day long, kissing the growing plants and brightening up the hearts of playing children and happy adults alike. Even the biggest clouds can’t keep the sun back for long. It bursts through with huge, glowing sunbeams wide enough for Heaven’s angels to slide down them. When it finally does set at the end of the day it leaves with a beauty that no earthly painter could ever match. Even then, though, the light continues. Soon the moon and stars begin to shine in the warm summer night and then hundreds of fireflies join in blinking on and off in their light show of love. It is a glorious sight to see.

     As beautiful as this summer light is, however, it still can’t compare to the soul light that I see everyday. This light burns just as brightly in the winter. I see it shining from my youngest son’s smile and hear it in my oldest son’s laugh. It glows warmly in my daughter’s eyes and it leaps out from the words of an inspiring book. It travels from soul to soul on the laughter, prayers, gentle words and caring hearts of friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers. It sails on the winds of good deeds, encouragement, and loving kindness. It sings in our music, shines in our thoughts, and brightens every part of our lives. It connects us with Heaven.

     M ay all of your days be full of light. May the sun shine down on you and may your own soul shine within you. May God’s light and love live through you even when the world around you seems dark. May you always ‘let your light shine before others.’ We are all children of God, children of love,and children of light. Let’s always shine brightly.
                                                   Joseph J. Mazzella