A Lot Brighter Than You Think

By Joseph J. Mazzella • July 1, 2024

I had just finished taking my dogs for their last walk of the day while darkness slowly fell over the mountains of my home. Just as I closed the door, though, a flicker of light caught my eye. I turned my head to see that a little lightening bug had flown in with us through the open door and was now frantically trying to get out again. As he flew slowly towards the door I quickly but gently closed my fingers around him. I could feel his little wings beat against the skin of my hand and a flash of light shown through my fingers. I opened the back door and stepped back outside. Then I opened my palm and watched the guy fly away flashing his light with gratitude in the darkness of the night.

Before I walked back in I took the time to gaze out on the meadow behind my home. There blinking on and off were hundreds of fireflies. Each time their lights came on I smiled again. It was so beautiful and so amazing that such tiny, little insects could produce so much light. I stood there in awe of this miracle I get to see each Summer and thanked God for it and for all of His glorious creation.

Watching my lightening bug buddies again made me think too of the light each of us carries inside of ourselves. Often it too flickers and is not steady or even very bright. Yet, every time we shine it we grow a little brighter. And every time we share it we awaken the light in others to shine as well.

Do your best to share your love in this world then. Do your best to shine your light even if you think it is a mere flicker. You are a lot brighter than you think. And I will let you in on a secret: The more light you shine and the more love you share, the more light and love God will give you to share. It never ends.

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Many readers told us they started writing down the small positives in their day, and this gratitude journal became a favorite. While others use these kindness cards for kids to help teach them compassion, empathy and encouragement.

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