"Shine On Purpose"

Candles are pretty~ yet useless until they are given the
opportunity to do what they were created to do.

Often we buy candles because of how they look and smell. True, they come in unique sizes, designs, and fragrances, yet how many candles have you purchased that you‘ve never lit?

Was this your original intention?
I doubt it.
But what has prevented you from lighting them?

Maybe you have a few put away or they are on display on a table somewhere in your office or home. Even though they look nice, they have not discovered how to be all they were designed to be.

A candle is a work of art and there is a specific combination of elements that when brought to life, bring joy to its owner.
This is also the ‘soul’s-purpose’ in the beginning…
You and I are a lot like the candle. Think about it:

We place ourselves in a situation where we think we belong but we are not living our potential.

We give ourselves to someone who does not really appreciate who we are, what we bring to the relationship, and the uniqueness of our abilities. And often, we justify this, and become covered in a dust of disillusion the longer we sit silent - with our gifts never appreciated. We have now compromised our character.

In the beginning~
We are held gently, respectfully and admiringly in the hands of One who knows us and our abilities to make a difference in our surroundings. He creates in us and enlightens us to be all we are. In His plan, He knows the circumstances around us. With His help,the fear is removed that held prisoner our potential. Then the wick which was placed with prayerful precision in the core of our being is ignited with energy, excitement, and enhanced anticipation.

We are now living our purpose!

The fire dances upon the wick and begins to melt away or disrobe the fragranced attire that it wears. Without pomp or circumstance, the space surrounding the candle is bathed in its fragrance. Look at that small flame on a string as it melts a crayon like substance and provides pleasure, light and warmth to the senses. It does so intentionally. For without the fire, the burn of purpose, it is just another pretty item on the table. The candle ‘gives away its inner most gifts'- warmth, light, fragrance-the soul's reason it was designed in the first place.

We were given the Gift so that we may become like the Gift!

God creates each of us to live our lives with and on purpose. Acknowledge those inner gifts meant to be a blessing to others. Don't put them on a shelf only to be seen by few and never appreciated at their fullest. For only when we remove our fears and have God illuminate our dreams with determination, will we begin to be all we are. You see, the candle does not fear the flame, but welcomes it. For the flame is what melts the heart of the candle and sets free the fragrance of its soul.

So, ask yourself~

Where is that flame in your life- the spark that ignites your dreams-the desire that burns in you to become all you can be? Rediscover the candles of living. Dust them off. Remove whatever it is that seals in who you are. Light the core of your being that faithfully awaits the opportunity to burn. Then, inhale the blessings that are blended with the foundation of your faith.

When you live your life on and for the purpose you were created, you will become a pleasant fragrance and light in the world around you. When someone is in your presence, be a joy to their life. Make and be the difference they seek and always encourage others to be and do the same.

Each life created was paid for with another’s.
(Did you catch that? If not, re-read that last statement)
AND-
Each candle is created especially for that moment it accepts the fire that will burn within.
You, yes you... are intimately known and designed for a beautiful purpose.

Shine brightly 'On Purpose' as you reflect The Light!

And finally---take the time to appreciate another's gifts....
Life is but a flicker, a flame...and in this one life you are given, ask yourself-

'Yubw8n'

~Breath in and appreciate the beauty and fragrances that embrace you~