Be the light...or be the mirror that reflects it

"There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."

The lights in our classroom were turned off as we stood in a semi circle around our desks and chairs on Thursday morning. It had already started out as a beautiful day (despite the rain) because we were given a gift of starting class at 9 instead of 8, which meant sleeping in and, perhaps more importantly, getting real (as opposed to the dining hall's) coffee. So, there we were in our semicircle, each one of us holding a small candle on which we had written words to describe what fuels us and gives us joy and peace.

Kaitlyn, that day's prayer leader, turned to the person next to her and shared out to the whole group about how that person brings light in our RLP community. Then, around the whole circle, one at a time, we followed suit - first receiving the light from the person passing it to us and then passing it on to the next person. We were more than likely breaking a fire code - don't tell any higher ups at ND! - but it was absolutely beautiful. It reminded us that even in darkness and hard times, there are "candles" all around us to give us light and, in turn, for us to reach out to and provide light as well.

So, what has lit my fire this summer? Well, the beautiful sights around campus surely have given me joy and peace: the lakes, the Grotto, the quads...

My RLP classmates, especially my PLC (professional learning community) have helped me overcome feelings of inadequacy and doubt this summer as well as brought me countless smiles and laughter. And I've also been fortunate to visit with some friends who visited ND throughout the summer...

PLC 1 rocking our red hats - we were inducted into the red hat brigade!

I have found inspiration through the prayers my classmates have shared each day to start our classes, as well as songs at Mass (especially Gospel Mass!)...

It's hard to believe this summer's classes are coming to a close on Thursday. We will all go our separate ways, carrying our candles to our school communities. We have a great task ahead (and more coursework!), but we are not alone. Amen to that.