Guardians of the Light

I recently read that parents can be described as "guardians of the light" and loved the image it created in my mind. It's so true that our children are full of God's light when they arrive, and that one of our responsibilities while they are in our care is to guard that light, that magical sense of wonder and love that comes with them from "God's factory". When they are babies, this is a fairly easy job because they're in our care almost around the clock. We can look into their little eyes and just see that spark! Guarding the light at this stage means responding to the little "coo's and goo's" with a loving, gentle voice, stroking their skin softly and providing for all their needs. As our little ones leave our arms, however, guarding their sense of wonder, awe and joy can be more daunting. There is much darkness out in our world and so we guardians must constantly turn our children toward the ultimate light: Jesus' love. On a daily basis, this means choosing love, turning toward the good in all things, remembering to be grateful, and caring for those who need it most. Such an important and worthwhile task, this job of guarding the light. Fortunately, we are not alone. Asking, sincerely asking, for God's help each and every morning is the first thing we guardians should do. The light that shines in our children can glow brighter with each passing season if we ourselves rely on the true source of all light, all wonder, all joy. Look at those little lights you have been given and help them shine on!