Reflect or Absorb Light
In photography bright surfaces reflect light, while dark surfaces absorb light.
People are similar.
Those who possess greater spiritual light radiate that light to others. People who have practiced being kind, forgiving, patient, joyful, grateful, etc. and who try to be optimistic RADIATE light.
We are drawn to these kind of people because they help us feel loved, cared about, and like we matter.
An interesting observation I’ve noticed is, those who radiate light take the time to draw closer to Christ daily. Then they serve others frequently. There is a wonderful pattern here.
People who are self-absorbed, believe they are a victim, complain a lot, etc. ABSORB light.
Some other emotions that absorb light are frustration, overwhelm, annoyance, being unforgiving, defensiveness, depressed, panic, anger, resentment, and worthlessness.
Though we all experience these emotions in life, and there is wisdom in handling these in healthy ways – we ultimately have a choice on how long we want to wallow in them.
If you find yourself feeling heavy often, there is likely a heavy emotion you are experiencing that is absorbing your light. Take a minute to pin-point what that is and what thoughts are causing it. Acknowledge their reality and that they have served their purpose. Then let them go and CHOOSE to focus on gratitude or something that will increase your light.
This takes practice and effort!
Because the human brain wants to return to what is familiar (even if it’s not good for us).
Practice being someone who REFLECTS light instead of absorbing it. I promise you will find more joy in life and good relationships will follow you!
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Receive and Radiate Light
A camera receives light frequencies through the lens and then paints the pictures it sees on a digital card. Once printed we display those pictures in many different ways to preserve those memories.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to RECEIVE light from good sources and then RADIATE that light to others.
Obvious sources for receiving light are daily scriptures study, prayer, and visiting the temple. These are the most powerful – I testify to that truth!
There are also other great sources of light…
Surround yourself with people who also radiate light, because you are most like the 5 people you hang out with. (I hope one of those people is Jesus Christ for each of us).
There are many wonderful books, podcasts, and You Tube channels that may help us feel hope, provide greater insight, and help us to walk away feel uplifted. Be prayerful about these sources. (I have several I love).
I have observed that as our understanding of GOSPEL PRINCIPLES increases and we learn how to apply those in our everyday lives, we are happier, more kind and less judgmental…
We RADIATE our inner light, growth and understanding to those around us.
It shows up as we are more compassionate, patient, and forgiving.
The scriptures say, “Let YOUR light so shine”
Why?
“that they (those around us) may see your good works,” not so you can prove how wonderful you are, but…
That they may “glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16).
And Peter said, “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you…” (1 Peter 3:5)
That hope comes from Jesus Christ!
We should receive light from Christ and radiate that out to point people back to Him!
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Your Own Light or Borrowed Light
Recently I was reading an article from the Liahona (also a good source to receive light).
Elder Cook said, “It is interesting that the sun has its OWN LIGHT, but the moon is reflected light or ‘BORROWED LIGHT’” (Nov. 2022, “Be True to God and His Work”).
He quoted an ancestor of mine, Heber C. Kimball, who said…
“The time will come when no man nor woman will be able to endure on borrowed light. Each will have to be guided by the light within himself… If you don’t have it you will not stand; therefore seek for the testimony of Jesus and CLEAVE to it…”
President Nelson has said, “In coming days it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”
It seems clear…
We need to become like the sun, (or the Son of God) radiating the light that is WITHIN US, amplified by our own testimony of Jesus Christ.
We need to take every opportunity we have to CHOOSE to fill our lives with LIGHT.
President Nelson, referring to “a crucial element of this gathering,” said we need “a people who have ALREADY CHOSEN Jesus Christ over this fallen world.” (Nov. 2022, “Overcoming the World”).
This “already chosen” doesn’t not come from borrowed light, but rather a person’s own inner light.
I hope we make this a priority in our lives.
–If you need help discovering these thoughts that drag you down or find yourself in a pattern of negative thoughts, message me. I can help you find those thoughts AND give you guidance on what to do to change them.
