We Are the Light

I looked up from my computer as I heard a car horn blasting through the drive-thru window. You know that mean sounding horn honk. Not the gentle tap that says “hey there” or “go ahead.”

A few minutes later, I walked up to the Starbucks counter to procrastinate my writing project and order a snack (Egg White Egg Bites…love). I could tell the two baristas were distraught. Asking if they were okay, they shared that it had been a rough day.

There was a free giveaway for a special holiday cup, and they ran out of inventory fairly quickly.

Some people were not happy about it. At all.

Snarky comments. Angry looks. An unpleasant gesture. The aggressive horn-honking incident. And a partridge in a pear tree.

Yeesh.

For a while, I was the only customer there, so we had a minute to chat. I honestly didn’t say or do much—I just listened and validated that they shouldn’t be treated that way. We even had a laugh or two.

As I pulled out my wallet to pay for my egg bites, I received a smile, a head shake, and these words: “Nope. Thanks for cheering us up!”

A little sprinkle of kindness all around. And the negative vibe from the day vanished like Santa up the chimney on Christmas Eve.

Not only did the friendly baristas handle their disgruntled customers with kindness, they turned around and shared an act of kindness with me as well!

And I got to thinking.

What if every time we saw darkness in the world, we reacted with a double dose of light? Respond with love in the moment AND go spread some kindness…

Could we throw off the balance? Overcome the darkness?

I say it’s worth a go! A Christmas challenge for us all.

This time of year the lights bring me great joy. The lights. They are all around us. Reminding us to pause and be present, rather than race and buy presents. The lights. Silently sharing peace, hope, and cheer to all who pass by.

In an imperfect world, WE are the light. The reflection of God’s love on earth. Grand or simple. Twinkling or dangling. Bubble or icicle. Warm white or colorful. It’s all bright. It’s all beautiful.

Every day we can illuminate the path. The gift of our struggles is the opportunity to create light—to choose love and multiply kindness.

Shine on friends. And Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Egg White Egg Bites! Complete with a thank you message:)