Spending Our Light

Happy Birthday, Dad. 

How my light is spent. 

The path to peace 

Today marks another anniversary of Dad’s birth. A day of remembrance. Another day to recognize and reflect on this life that was so well spent. We lost Dad a few years ago, and we still miss him, but we are ever grateful for his life and the impact he made on the many lives he touched. A small measure of this one man’s contribution was on the days that followed his passing. His viewing and funeral were attended by hundreds of people who filed through to pay respect and tell stories. The hundreds who were able to attend were filled with sorrow of loss because of the deep joy and appreciation of knowing this man, Gerald “Joe” Miller. On the day of his viewing, I had the good fortune to be the first family “greeter” at the front of the church. Over seven hundred people filed through. Each one had stories of Dad, serving others and bringing joy and laughter. Big Joe had a big heart of love for people. The service filled our church with over five hundred friends and family members. Those connected and brought together from this one man’s contribution to Life. 

John Merton’s sonnet, when I consider how my light is spent is a beautiful, sorrowful reflection on his first half of life. As his eyes grew dim, he considered how he would spend the remainder of his days in darkness without sight. This line was written about his lost days of vision, but it is also a powerful personal reflection that would serve us all well to consider.

How have we spent our light and life?

How will we spend the light and life to come?

How will our light and life be remembered when gone?

I don’t know Merton’s deeper motive or message, but today, on this anniversary of Dad’s birth, his sonnet leads me to consider Dad’s light. A light that still shines in those he touched. And how each of us has a light shine into the lives of those around us.  

“To have courage. Faith and Trust. This is the path to peace in the mystery.” These words from Teresa of Avila also have special meaning today. We are all moving forward in life, connected to those around us. When we lose the ones we love, we are left to move forward. And while we suffer loss, we are still connected. We still hold the light of their lives. We still connect and find courage, faith, and peace in this Great Mystery of light and life. Ever together.  

Photo by Jeremy Perkins on Unsplash