You may wonder what I mean by that question.
If you are a “lightener,” people who spend time with you will feel refreshed and lighter because you have been with them.
In a Children’s Literature course in my college days, I completed a poetry project and loved Rachel Fields simple little poem entitled “Some People.” The poem describes well what a lightener is.
Isn’t it strange some people make
You feel so tired inside,
Your thoughts begin to shrivel up
Like leaves all brown and dried!
But when you’re with some other ones,
It’s stranger still to find
Your thoughts as thick as fireflies
All shiny in your mind!
Lighteners encourage and come alongside us and we feel better for knowing them. They cue in on others around them instead of having a self-focus. They move on what they observe rather than not notice or simply observe. They usually see what they do for you as nothing special and yet those seemingly small things lift the burden we may be feeling.
Small acts of kindness appear to be the specialty of lighteners. The Holy Spirit seems to prompt them to come alongside us when we thought no one else had noticed what we 
were feeling or going through. They move into action without being asked oftentimes. They really respond with an empathy that shines the light of Jesus brightly. That brightness stands out because it is not common.
Our lives and schedules, our jobs and ministries, our own issues and concerns can cause us to miss those around us beginning with those with whom we live. It isn’t our intent, but it happens. Sometimes it happens because no one has noticed us and it has left us discouraged and turned our eyes inward. Sometimes it happens because we have given out so long that we are depleted.
As sons of Adam and daughters of Eve, we have difficulty with a balance between doing and being, serving and resting, encouraging and getting encouragement. We need to be recalibrated often by the Holy Spirit within us to balance these divergent needs and responsibilities.
I have learned one thing as I have observed myself with this struggle. If I see a lot of misalignment, it’s because I have set aside time first thing in the morning to sit in my favorite red chair and take some time in the Word with a pen and journal in hand. It can be easy to be too tired, too busy, or too scheduled to feel I can add that to my day. But that exposes the issue. It isn’t about adding it to my day. It’s about how I start my day and add everything else into it.
Even so, each of us needs to have a lightener who touches us, a day, or a circumstance in such a specific way that we are better and lighter for his or her presence.
It can be so easy to be critical. We are immersed in a culture where we are bombarded by critical words and attitudes that can seep into us and leak out of us.
Too often that happens within the context of Christian relationships and circles as well. Sometimes we set a standard for others that fits with biblical teaching absent the mercy and grace Jesus brought us. Satan loves it. He sets it in motion and we go along with his program without sometimes hearing what we have said or how we have said it.
Martin Luther King, Jr. exhorted us all well when he said these words:
“We must all learn to live together as brothers or we will all perish together as fools.”
To be a lightener we must break the habit of attaching so much importance to what people say and focus more on what the Lord has said and demonstrated through the life of Christ.
I love how the writer of Hebrews says in Hebrews 10:24 (TPT):
“Discover creative ways to encourage others and to motivate them toward acts of compassion, doing beautiful works as expressions of love.”
I have to work at being a lightener (because I’m more of an introvert, and words of affirmation aren’t really my love language), but I do it because I know how important it is for other people!
The great thing about being a lightener is that isn’t just or only about words, but about demeanor, attitude, hugs, etc. My sweet hubby is an introvert too, but his smile, acts of service, and hugs still lighten my room and the rooms of others who know him.💕
This post is just rich with meaningful quotes, Pam. And I pinned it in my G.K. Chesterton folder. So often we enter a room without thinking about what we are adding to the mix. I’m with you: I want to be a lightener.
Pam,
Thank you for stopping by my place today. Your post is very enlightening and I appreciated reading it. However, I just wanted to let you know that you linked your URL to a mewsic hop. We welcome the chance to listen to or savor whatever mewsic moves you. Many of our participators are looking for those actively sharing mewsic, so perhaps next time you’ll want to include a tune or two for us to enjoy. 😉 Have a blessed & boogietastic week!
Hmmmmm! Had no idea that was linked in that way as I did not intend for it to be so and am unaware of what that is. I will need to check on that. Thanks for letting me know.
Pam,
No worries. But, if you want to share mewsic (all-genres welcome) then please feel free to use our linky code and a link back to our the main host site (xmasdolly). We’d love to have you join the fun! 😉
I want to be a lightener and not a loader! Thanks for sharing at NanaHood!
Me too, Teresa!! Have a blessed day💕
I love this concept, Pam! I do believe there are people in my life who play out like the poem you wrote–drying me up or lightening me up! And I also love how you said this, “It isn’t about adding it to my day. It’s about how I start my day and add everything else into it.” That’s my perspective and practice regarding my time with God too. But so many miss this important reality and suffer because of it. I’ll be sharing, my friend!
Thanks so much, Beth! I think our culture is waiting for Jesus to show up in us as lighteners or whatever we want to tell them about Him may never reach their parched hearts and souls. Thanks for sharing it!
I would also be greatly blessed if you would be sure to read my post on this Wednesday about my first book, Bring Me A Vision, A Story of Redeeming Hope.💕
Oh, I love that poem that you shared. I think that is what it must have felt like to walk with Jesus along those dusty roads. Wow! I want to have Him shape my heart to be more like Him that way. Blessings to you!
That’s a great lens to see this poem through! I think you’re so right, Bettie! I couldn’t agree more with this view and your wish has a hearty “amen” and “me too” after it!! Have a great day in Him!💕
This must be part of what it means to be salt of the earth and light of the world! Thanks for this reminder, Pam. Blessings to you.
I believe that is exactly the parallel!! 😊
What a great message. I want to be a lightener but am overwhelmed sometimes with my own issues.
A Lightener. Oh yeah, I like this, Pam.
And by the way, that describes you to a T.
Bless you, friend, especially during this exciting week!
;-}
This is a beautiful concept. I want to be a lightener and not an loader to those around me today. Thank you!