“Does she realize she looks like a sunflower, ready to rain sunlight on all who look down upon her?”-Simone Elkeles

“In the morning the sunflower blossoms due to the sun’s rays. This morning I just wanted to remind you that my heart blossoms with love for you every day I wake up and it is going to do that forever.”-Sheila Carey

“Stars do not pull each other down to be more visible; they shine brighter.” ― Matshona Dhliwayo

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” ― Harriet Tubman

This quote has a lot of truth and meaning to it because humans have to go through the darkness in order to see the beauty in life, like the stars in the night sky. From experience I know that life can throw some pretty big curve balls and make people feel like giving up, but in reality humans are so much stronger than imagined. Therefore, even when people may feel like all hope is lost, they have to look through the 

You have the power to light up someone’s life

Have you ever received an unexpected thank-you note that made you smile every time you thought of it?   

Perhaps a casual acquaintance wrote something like, “Thanks for being you. You make the world a better place.”

Remember that warm glow as you read it?

Spoken words are great, but written words can be read over and over.

What better time to start than now, right where we are? 

All it will cost is a few sentences, spoken or written. Right now I have a note propped up at my desk, just because it makes me happy. The writer and I had a couple of brief conversations. No big deal, I thought.

But it mattered enough to her that she took time out of her busy day to write me. She wanted me to know what I said helped her and encouraged her heart. 

Even now, months later, her words still make me smile. 

You and I can do that for someone else, too.

Let’s begin with our own family members

It’s easy to find fault and we all do it. But suppose we wrote down what we love about our husband (or wife) or each of our kids. Even tuned-out teens like being appreciated. 

Sometimes we get so caught up in ways our kids blow it that we forget to notice the wonders within them.

Let’s point out traits we value, rather than a rundown of what they do. Think of qualities like being honest, faithful, kind, thoughtful, etc.

Do you know someone who enriches your life? 

Often we take these folks for granted and say nothing. Instead, why not celebrate them?

Think of that older person who doesn’t get much mail. A note (or a visit) could mean the world.

Count up the others you routinely count on. 

Your child’s teacher or Sunday School leader or coach.

The neighbor who keeps an eye on your house.

The co-worker whose positive outlook lifts up everyone within earshot.

Let’s spread the joy. Let’s thank God for the people in our lives–and then tell them, too.

By the way, this need not be a one-time thing. Let’s make it a habit.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.    James 1:1

Light Up Someone’s Life 

Let not a day go by without being nice to someone, 
Smile at a stranger and watch their face light up,
you never know just how lonely they might be or how good 
or bad their day might have been. Pay an unexpected compliment 
to a friend and thank them for being there.
Write a note of appreciation to your spouse or child and watch them light up inside.
Hand a flower to an elderly person and see the smile it will bring upon their face- 
You never quite know just how long it will be before they go to their resting place.
Call your parents, tell them how much you care, and share your life with them.
Tell them you love them and you miss them so.
Just wait and see what it does to them, they’ll be happy to know.
Reach out your arms and hug someone in need, it may not mend all their 
sorrows but it might help for tomorrow……….So put a little light in YOUR life, and light up someone’s life today.