{"id":466,"date":"2013-09-12T10:46:47","date_gmt":"2013-09-12T10:46:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/everydayinspiration\/?p=466"},"modified":"2013-09-12T10:46:47","modified_gmt":"2013-09-12T10:46:47","slug":"leaving-the-light-on","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/everydayinspiration\/2013\/09\/leaving-the-light-on.html","title":{"rendered":"Leaving the Light On"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cNow, God be praised, that to believing souls gives light in darkness, comfort in despair.” – William Shakespeare<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The lights in my house are burning a little later these days. My daughter and son have returned home, but for different reasons. <\/p>\n

Caitlin is back with us as she pursues her graduate degree in social welfare. Andrew is home considering what his next step should be after deciding college baseball wasn\u2019t for him.<\/p>\n

So, the nights of turning off the lights and heading to bed have been replaced with leaving a light on for either my son or daughter. They know to turn off the light when they return. This will be the cue that they have made it back home safely. <\/p>\n

Leaving the light on has been a good reminder to notice the other things that are important<\/a>.<\/p>\n

When you leave the light on for the things that are close to your heart, you are calling these things in from the shadows. You are saying you want to see these things with better clarity. You want them to be more obvious and you want to acknowledge their presence.<\/p>\n

What, or who, are you leaving the light on for right now?<\/strong> Is it:
\n– for the dream that is burning inside you?
\n– for the piece that needs a little healing?
\n– for the strength to keep fighting?
\n– for listening to the cry of your soul?
\n– for love\u2019s promise?
\n– for your faith \u2013 no matter the odds?
\n– for your spouse, partner, or children?
\n– for feeling at home in your own skin?<\/p>\n

The practice of leaving the light on begins with noticing what\u2019s important and then allowing the light to burn long enough so what\u2019s close to your heart has time to find its way back home safe and sound and ready to be filled back up with love.<\/p>\n

About Alex Blackwell<\/a><\/h5>\n

Alex Blackwell is a father, husband and writer. He writes about inspiring things at The BridgeMaker<\/a>.
\nWeb<\/a> | Inspiring Things <\/a> | Free eBook: How to Love Consciously<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cNow, God be praised, that to believing souls gives light in darkness, comfort in despair.” – William Shakespeare The lights in my house are burning a little later these days. My daughter and son have returned home, but for different reasons. 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