September 6th

“No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.” Matthew 5:15

may
we be

the spotlight
finding the nervous student
memorizing lines
for her first play—

the flashlight
illuminating the pages
for the refugee
learning the language
of a new country,
a new beginning;

the nightlight
glowing beside
the cancer patient
through the frightening
hours of treatment—

and may we also be
the small candle
left burning
in the window
for someone
who has forgotten
the way home.

may our light
never be
for ourselves alone—
but always
more light
for someone
walking through
the shadows.

(c) 2026 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo:@Thom-Shuman