Don't Be a Candle

“Be candle in the darkness” An old saying that is meant to remind us to be a beacon to some in their time of darkness. Or to be the light in the dark world you find yourself in. A message of positivity and hope. I’m going to tell you why you shouldn’t be a candle and some perspective. Read on…

My wife recently celebrated her 40th High School reunion. She was an integral part of the planning their 35th after a classmate of hers expressed a desire to have a low key reunion event, good food and friends gathered to talk, laugh and reminisce. He was a low key person and most of their group didn’t fit into the “uppity” clique that would want a country club dinner and dance event. Peebler was a simple man, like a lot of folks in East Texas.

So they decided to do it, big plans of BBQ, food, drinks and fun. Then he suddenly passed away unexpectedly. Heart problems, in his kitchen, just like that, gone. My wife and her friends, devastated, decided to carry on with the 35th reunion. One of the events she planned was to have memorial candles on the tables with the names and life dates of their classmates that had passed. It was a beautiful sentiment and a very touching thing.

This past weekend was their 40th reunion. (I didn’t attend their HS, but they treat me like a classmate). Once again, my wife led the planning of the event and it was perfect. 18 smoked pork butts, her homemade potato salad, beans, snacks of all sorts friends galore. And once again, candles.

Simple, small jars with a label and a white candle inside. Sadly, this time, many more candles than last time. They had a class of over 400 and as of this date, over 40 classmates that have passed on. Lots of various reasons, of course, accidents, illness and the usual maladies. But still, an empty seat of a friend not there. Folks read the names, and they took a moment to remember those not there to join in the the repast.

It occured to me and a few other folks there that as we grow older, it becomes more important to focus on good health, good living and appreciation for the time we have everyday. We never know when we won’t be at the next reunion, when we become ‘a candle’.

So a lot of us, myself included considering my recent issues, took vows to each other to do all we possibly can, considering the good Creators unknown plans of course, to take care of ourselves and each other. To hold ourselves accountable to each other in the name of friendship and love for one another. To do the right things. To live well, love deep and do all we can to make sure we are there in 5 years,to join in fellowship once again. To make sure we’re not one of her candles.

Do what is best. Don’t be a candle.

Lead Forward

Semper Fortis

Chief Chuck