the light inside us
2010
I returned to work today. Back to the little bookstore. Behind the counter chatting with and helping customers choose their books. Amongst the shelves, reading, tidying, dreaming. There’s so much to read.
My ankle held up – thanks to my fine boot. My heel, not so good. It seems to take all my weight – poor heel – and by golly, it sure does burn after a day standing up. But it looks fine and despite feeling raw, still has skin. Abby checked for me.
I was reading a new Italian cookbook today – by Luciana Sampagna – Light of Lucia. It’s a lovely book, part recipes, part essays describing Sampagna’s life as an Italian woman; especially how this is shaped by her family, their traditions, their cooking and their faith. This quotation, shared with Sampagna by her father, struck me as particularly beautiful:
“Lucia! Oh Lucia! During life, there are many days you won’t see the light. But the light is there inside us. Feed your light. Keep it shining and keep the love of who you are strong and dear. If you keep it growing, your spirit will never die.”
This left me deep in thought for quite some time. Remembering St. Lucia and our celebration of the new light she brings each year. Trying to imagine the light inside me, and wondering if it is strong and clear, or a bit wibbly and prone to being blown out. Thinking about how I choose to feed my light, what my light is made of. Am I growing it? Am I respecting it? Am I sharing it?
What makes it glow strongly, radiating warmly from me, bringing out the best I can I be? This dear, gorgeous girl certainly. Being a mother is without doubt, the most wonderful task I have ever embraced. When I am being the best mother I can be, when Abby and I are really sharing our lives, I feel that light alive and strong.
The rest of my questions will require some more deliberate thought and action. But I think it is well worth the time.
Can you find the light inside of you? How do you grow it and keep it strong? How do you maintain the love of who you are?
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Such a beautiful reflection on the light inside. I had never thought of the light coming from within. When I think of Lucia, I think of a very dark sweden with a little light coming from that beautiful singing maiden. Speaking of beautiful maidens, I can’t get over how your girl has grown and what a beauty she is. Glad to hear you’re back to work.
Light does come within and we can see it in friends and family and even strangers. Even blogs! Seriously. Finding light is important. Your family is lovely. I’m just catching up with past posts here and won’t stop to comment on them all but I always enjoy Lilyland. Sewing keeps my light going. It dims sometimes with anger, frustration and stress, but if I try to fuel it with good works and friends it stays present.
I love this post! Always remember to nourish your inner light
Very sweet post, Lily… I think happy thoughts and keeping it positive does it for me although some days are better than others.
Hope you are getting to relax your leg in between chores at the book shop. Do take care :)
So much of everday life wears the inner light low, and then one finds oneself crotchetty to those she loves while having to wash mountains of dishes by hand. That’s how my morning went, and how lovely this post is, reminding me of what is important. Thank you. (I did apologize already to the Mister.)
what a beautiful reflection lily. i look forward to exploring these questions…
xo
~erin
What a beautiful post! I’m glad you’re back at work. Hope the pain is less every day.