Let it Shine
"All mankind is divided into three classes..." according to Benjamin Franklin.
I was skimming through a bunch of quotes online and this one caught my eye.
He continues: "Those that are immovable, those that are movable, and..."
but it was the finish to Ben's quote that made me pause. Sometimes it can take a day or two for a great lesson to really settle in, and this one seemed to have grabbed my attention.
There's a signal to let you know when you've read or heard something with special insight. Within 24-48 hours you'll see the lesson repeated a few times and often, in unique ways. Sometimes we call them "signs" and perhaps they really are.
All of life's greatest secrets are revealed this way.
The insights are there all the time, and simply waiting for us to discover them. Like the "red car effect." Ever hear this one? You probably didn't notice any red cars on the road last time you drove. But now that the idea is in your consciousness, you'll likely see LOTS of red cars the next time you're driving. Strange! People who buy red cars often report they had no idea how many other people own red cars until they bought one.
My "red car effect" to the Ben Franklin quote came in a movie a day later...Batman Begins. I'm not usually a fan of superhero movies, but this one had some cool life lessons, and all the elements of a great story. The story follows how Batman came to be and the events which shaped his character and mission in life.
In all the greatest stories told throughout history, the hero rises out of an incredible challenge, struggling through the darkest days to shine their light, find a purpose, and secure their legacy.
For Christians around the world, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas time. And perhaps the story of Jesus is the greatest superhero story ever told.
And, here's something I find remarkable. For thousands of years before Christianity chose late December to mark Christ's birth, man celebrated during this very week.
Every year between Dec 20 - 23 in the Northern hemisphere, the darkest day of winter arrives - - the winter solstice. Remember too, this was LONG before the luxurious lifestyle we enjoy today with heated homes.
In the midst of the cold and dark when the conditions were harsh and trying, man celebrated.
But why?
Man's natural ambition to seek light? Perhaps how our Creator wired us? Or even the sign of a greater presence, supporting us in the darkest days? Maybe this is the reason we are drawn to stories of light overcoming dark, of good triumphant over evil.
The battle between light and dark is a dominant theme throughout all human lives, regardless of your religion, culture, or unique circumstances. Every day, each week and month, over this past year, the theme showed its' secrets to us.
But just as a fish is unaware of the water in which it swims, humans lose sight of the epic battle raging.
So with the new year quickly approaching, make the DECISION right now to wake yourself to the power of living a life worthy of your inner light. Make the effort to pursue your legacy aspirations. And, know that overcoming your fears, faults, and life's challenges are what defines your dark.
You have the spark inside for a reason...
Let it shine.
Bruce Wayne in the movie Batman Begins is conflicted as his character is taking shape. As a child, he witnessed a terrible tragedy; the double-murder of his parents. And, entering adulthood, Bruce struggles to overcome the darkness. With his values in a state of turmoil, Bruce is ultimately embarrassed by his actions.
He pleads with his trusted friend Rachel Dawes to forgive his hateful behavior, and instead, to see him for who he really is inside.
But instead, she whacks him with a great life-defining insight.
Rachel admonishes Bruce: "It's not who you are underneath, but what you DO that defines you!" as she storms off.
And, the lesson is repeated throughout the movie. Superheroes are defined by the will to act.
For many, the inner light is sadly unknown.
But perhaps even worse is that there are far, far greater numbers who understand their special gifts, but who leave their lights shrouded in darkness. You see, it's not enough to KNOW that you are gifted with the power of an internal light.
Or, as Benjamin Franklin put it:
"All mankind is divided into three classes: those that are immovable, those that are movable, and...those who move."
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