“Please don’t turn off the Light.”

Probably every parent who tucked a child into bed has heard the plea, "Please don't turn off the light."  Most parents find a way for at least a little light to illuminate their child's room and chase away the fears.  The German poet Johann von Schiller said:  ". . . light is a noble gift of heaven!  All beings live from light; each fair created thing, the very plants, turn with a joyful transport to the light." Light warms us, comforts us, and guides us safely to our destinations.  The dawning of each new day, with its welcoming rays of sunlight, gives hope to all.

Research has shown that light lifts the spirits of the depressed and assists in healing the sick.  A woman, who was in bed recovering from surgery, asked her husband to open the blinds.  She said, "I need the light."  As the light filled her room, it also filled her body and mind with a warm, healing sensation.

We all need light to live.  And to live more abundantly, we also need spiritual light—the illuminating connection with our Divine Creator.  It's available to everyone, but it's up to each to stay connected to that light.  When difficulties come, we can be guided by the Light through prayer.  Sadly, there are some who turn away from the Light when prayers are not answered in the way they want, and they end up needlessly wandering in the dark.  The Light is there and answers do come; we just need to recognize them.

A young couple, parents of four children, were experiencing some challenges that could test anyone's faith.  One of their children was severely mentally impaired, and two of the others suffered from learning disabilities.  When a co-worker suggested the young father must be angry at God for all these problems, he replied:  "Oh, no!  We could never be angry at Him.  He's the one who's helping us through it."

Ancient prophets remind us that "The Lord . . . is our help and our shield.  He "shall guide [us] continually." During our struggles, if we could listen in on heavenly communications, we might hear, instead of the plea of a child, the voice of our loving Father saying, "Please don't turn off the Light."

Lloyd Newell