“At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”

~ Albert Schweitzer

I am filled with gratitude for the people God placed on my path. Whether they were walking a journey with me or I was walking one with them; we were walking hand-in-hand and our match was divinely orchestrated.

Some people walked life’s path with me for only part of the journey. I believe we came together for a short period in time and then we moved on to walk separate paths. It seems they were sent into my life for that specific time and they contributed something I needed or I provided something they needed; neither of us knowing at the time what roles we played.

I have given it a lot of thought and it seems that even people whose walk in my life ended under harsh terms had a positive influence. I sometimes think of them, wonder where they are, wonder what I could have differently to change the outcome. I heard once, “When God closes a door there is no going back.” So there is no going back, but sometimes, I’ll remember the good times with them and it brings a moment of sadness.

In addition, there are those who have walked along beside me that are no longer physically near but have remained close in my heart. We don’t see each other often as we are scattered around the country or the world, but we somehow find time at least once or twice a year to share long telephone conversations and catch up on each others lives. Lifelong friends, an important part of each other’s past journey and we will never fully let go of each other. We wait and hope for the time when our paths may merge again.

Finally, there are those who have walked with me day-by-day and week-by-week for a very long time. They are the jewels in my life. We may be close or separated by distance but we never let much time pass without long conversations.

We may disagree, we may fuss with one another but they are with me until my journey ends. Many are family but some are part of the family of God gave me as I traveled.

We’ve shared our hopes, dreams, successes and failures. There have been many joyous times and memories. When I was struggling or feeling hopeless, they stood with me. They prayed with me, held my hand, and told me that I was going to get beyond the trials of the moment. They are the ones who have “lighted the flames within me” when my light had gone out.

One of those “jewels” sent me this little picture that says, “As believers, we are all just walking each other Home.” I know that to be true and the closer I get to my eternal home the more I am thankful that through journeys of joy, or pilgrimages of sorrow, the presence of these special people has always confirmed how blessed I am.

Reposted from 11/5/2021