Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all would let our light shine, everyday? It could be with a simple smile. Imagine how that might affect those around us? That got me thinking….

So, what is "light” anyway? The answer is not a simple one because light satisfies us in so many ways. Let’s look at a few perspectives. From a scientific perspective (don’t worry we won’t get into the quantum theory aspect of light), and according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, light is defined as an “…electromagnetic radiation spectrum that can be detected by the human eye. Electromagnetic radiation occurs over an extremely wide range of wavelengths, from gamma rays to radio waves.” It ranges from the red end to the violet end of the spectrum. Let’s look at the rainbow. According to National Geographic, “A rainbow is a multicolored arc made by light striking water droplets. The most familiar type rainbow, is produced when sunlight strikes raindrops in front of a viewer at a precise angle. The colors on a primary rainbow are always in order of their wavelength, from longest to shortest: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet.”

We have thought of light as being very fast when we reference, “the speed of light”. Did you know that the speed of light in a vacuum is a physical constant and that light can travel about 186,282 miles per second? From a life-sustaining perspective, light is very important to us all. We absorb light from the sun and that keeps us warm. The light from the sun begins photosynthesis that ultimately provides oxygen and that’s just one of the many elements. Sunlight also illuminates a dark vast space. Now that’s important!

An artist may view light as something that is pleasing in appearance as they seek to interpret the world, visually. Light is the basis for our sense of sight and is key to us being able to see color. Since light also interacts with matter, it is known to have helped form the structure of our universe! Thus, the concept of light can be awe-inspiring. There’s more about light.

What about how light is used to help ships navigate raging seawaters? How can the light from a lighthouse be seen for countless miles? We now know that light is energy and can travel in waves. Back in the 18th century, Augustin Fresnel worked to develop lenses and reflectors that would capture light and concentrate it. As a result, this design created light that would appear brighter than the original light source. This is how the light can be seen for over 20 miles. This concept is used for car headlights, movie projectors and traffic lights. Today, lighthouses have rotating lenses that flash on and off as a way to save energy. On dark nights and in furious storms, lighthouses create a welcoming light for lost and wayward boats suffering from the unadulterated darkness.

Now that we know some of what light is, how can we do what lighthouses do and make light shine through us? What does it mean to “let your light shine?” In a world of dark and dreary happenstance, (like in a dark and raging storm), light may provide that needed peace and comfort. In our case, it is what we do and what we say that can be of comfort to others who are going through a tough time. When others are troubled, suffering pain, looking for direction, experiencing fear or doubt, we can be the light that provides clarity and peace in a dark state. Light takes people out of the darkness. If we are cheerful, helpful, kind and willing, then we can provide this light. We can pierce the darkness someone may be experiencing, with our light. This may be a spiritual perspective.

We often work with people who are being introduced to new environments and new or different people. That may be a new living situation, it may be in their same home but there are new people in these circumstances. It could be in a TCU or a hospital. It could be in a new wealth management or real estate office. Whatever the case, a new environment and new people can be daunting and intimidating. It is especially during those times that this person needs to see the light in us. They need to see our welcoming spirit. Even with a mask, one can see a person’s smile. Let’s take each opportunity to help make someone feel that everything will be OK. Remember the rainbow? We know how beautiful a rainbow is. What if someone thought the light we were able to shine on them was as beautiful as a rainbow’s brilliance? Wouldn’t that be wonderful?

Helping to create a good situation out of a formidable one is shining a light on what could have been, a dismal situation. We have that opportunity everyday. We as human beings are attracted to light. Who wants to be in the dark? Again, it is piercing the darkness with our light. In each of our illustrations, light creates a powerful yet impactful aspect to our lives. What can you do to bring an uplifting spirit to others? What can you do to let your light shine? What better gift can you give?