Be the spark...

Ecclesiastes 3:1
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven

The spouse of a co-worker passed away this week. She'd been ill for a while. At the funeral, the pastor talked about her illness, the effect it has on the patient, the family and friends. Then he talked about his perspective. How he saw not the illness, but their faith, in God and each other. He saw the love they shared. He saw the opportunity for everyone around them to see faith and love in action. He said he'd never once felt sorry for them. Distress, sadness, compassion, yes certainly. But never pity.

It was a powerful sermon and I'm grateful for it. I'm grateful for my friend. I am grateful for the chance to see another perspective.

There is no reason to wait until you are in the midst of tragedy to be the love or to be the faith that will shine for others to see. There is a quote running rampant across the net: Be the spark, especially when it's dark (Mike Dooley).

The important part of that quote... Be the spark!

1 Corinthians 13:7
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.