“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”
Edith Wharton
Some days it is easy to be the candle – to give light. When Bea and I are reading together and she “reads” the words she knows in her books, I am encouraged to model for her a love of literature. When we are cooking together as a family or playing. Sometimes I feel like a candle with my friends – encouraging, listening, being an active participant in their lives.
Other times, I am exhausted and all I can do is reflect the light. On those days, when Frank reads with Bea, I can affirm the words with her, even though I don’t want to snuggle in. Maybe it means letting someone else in our community take on a friend’s needs; that I can be supportive without actually, physically being there.
I can get discouraged when I don’t feel like I am “the candle” all the time and this quote is a wonderful reminder to me that, even as a mirror, I am still reflecting light. Our Advent reading the other day was John 1:8, about how John was not the Light, but he was simply a witness to the Light. That being “simply a witness” is enough.
Linked with Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday.
Annie Rim 
Annie, I am a FMF neighbor. I can totally relate to being the light or reflecting with your child. We all need help at times and there is nothing wrong with that. Thanks and I look forward to reading other postings. Merry Christmas, Patti
I totally agree. I always teach, during this Christmas season the song” This little light of Mine” to my students even though it is considered a christian song. Our content unit is based on how different countries celebrate with lights. The lyrics are adapted so It leaves out references to the jesus, but the premise is to spread the joy of kindness and love to everyone you meet.
Gina, I remember teaching the kids Don’t Laugh at Me with you. You are so amazing at bringing music into the classroom!