Mother Teresa is credited with this quote: "There is a light in this world, a healing spirit more powerful than any darkness we may encounter. We sometimes lose sight of this force when there is suffering, too much pain. Then suddenly, the spirit will emerge through the lives of ordinary people who hear a call and answer in extraordinary ways."

STOP – read that again!

We get to encounter these ordinary people in our city all the time. Some might be obvious, others are more hidden, but each one of them hearing the call and answering in it. Some might do it to be seen and acknowledged, but most people do it because it is just the right thing to do. We might not be Mother Theresa, but we all can do our part in making our community, our city a better place. Simple things like opening the door for someone, or addressing a person by name in the grocery store, or maybe volunteering somewhere were your gifts and passion can be a blessing.

Maybe you can read to a child, or tutor in the library, or be a CASA advocate. There are many places that could use your gifts, many places where your abilities are needed to move something forward. But it starts in your own home, what kind of spouse or parent are you? Are you bringing light to your family? What kind of employee are you? Are people drawn to you? Are you attending a faith community, don't just sit and consume, be a light and use your gifts.

We live in a world where we see so much darkness, but if each one of us uses the light we have to brighten the night, sooner or later daylight will come again!

So, be a light!