Being a beacon of light in the darkness.

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness.” – Desmond Tutu

One of the many signs of depression is increased sleep/difficulty getting out of bed. Simply put, you lack motivation. I mean, what’s the point, right? This is the sentiment of many, and in times like these, it is often a challenging task to convince someone that life is worth living.

Besides, can we truly convince someone to live? Do they see the same beauty in the sunrise that we see? How many of you love fishing; something that I’ve never done, and abhor the very thought of doing? Our desires, motivations, goals, and needs are different, so that one thing that motivates us (even for a moment) will be different as well.

If I see a good movie has come out, I’m ecstatic. My husband just wants me to find someone to join me, so that he won’t be voluntold to do so. When my husband discovers an amazing new exercise/workout, I fervently pray that another gym stud will come distract him so that I don’t have to hear about it for the next millenium. Once he turns his head, I can grab my donuts and Pepsi (thanks for the addiction, Mommy), and walk (not run) out the door.

The point is that we can’t convince someone to love what we do. So, we listen. We get help, if that’s what they need. Sometimes – we just have to be there. Just be present, so they know they’re not alone. Oftentimes, that’s what people need more than anything.

Being there – offering help, presenting the chance for change – transforms you into a beacon of light. You have become an agent of hope; bringing the possibility of a life completely distinct from the one they’re living. So, instead of staying in bed, being lost in the darkness, they follow that light of hope that you’ve unveiled.

Make no mistake. The light will dim at times. It may even seem to go out. But that’s when your beacon returns to relight the flame. And you never know – maybe you will be (or have been) a beacon of light for someone else.