Spring had come to the mountains of my home. Fresh green grass was coming up in my yard. Yellow dandelions and buttercups were blooming in the meadows. Tulips and purple Phlox were growing in the flower boxes. Bumblebees and butterflies were dancing among them. In the woods white, purple, and pink blossoms were rapidly turning to green leaves on the trees. It was the most alive I had seen the world in a long time.

Yet, today dark storm clouds and heavy April showers had taken the sunshine out of Spring. It was gloomy and dreary as I drove to the local store for another week’s worth of food. I walked in and wiped the wet out of my hair and off of my glasses. After filling my cart, I paid for my groceries, and headed towards the door. Nature suddenly called, however, and I found myself leaving my cart and rushing into the rest room. After answering the call I was cleaning up when I heard a loud thud. I turned and saw that an older man with a walker had slipped and fallen to the floor. I rushed over to see if he was alright and with the aid of another man helped him to his feet. He was unhurt and thanked us both several times. I headed back to my cart and pushed it to my car. The rain had stopped but the sky was still overcast. That didn’t matter, though, because on the inside, I was shining.

In this life I have found time and time again that we are most alive when we stop to help another. I have found that we are most ourselves when we are sharing love, spreading joy, and doing all we can to make this world a better place. I have found that we are closest to God when we are giving our kindness and compassion to everyone.

Don’t go through life just existing then. Live! Be the most alive you can be by sharing all the love, joy, and light that is within you. Let yourself shine on Earth and in Heaven