Gratitude for Sunlight

I once had an opportunity to treat a young athlete. He was strong, vibrant, and quite focused on his sports, while his parents and siblings were very supportive of all his endeavors. During our treatment sessions, he mentioned that he was enamored with the beauty of a full moon; that its light is gentle but radiant and romantic as well. I proceeded to ask him which was most important to him--beautiful moonlight or brilliant sunshine. Without hesitation, he answered, “moonlight.” When I asked him why, he said that the sunlight is always there but moonlight waxes and wanes—it is more unique, always changing and intriguing.

When sunlight is always here, it becomes ordinary. Since moonlight is always changing, it becomes more interesting and exciting. This is the same with our parents, caretakers, wives, or husbands who serve us tirelessly over the years who are always there for us. These people are our sunlight—they shine radiantly all the time and make certain we are doing well. They protect us. They help us. They even say things we do not want to hear and sometimes they annoy us but their intentions are good. When a stranger treats us well and helps us out, we are grateful and very appreciative but when our loved ones treat us well, we think it is normal and it is their duty…isn’t it?

In the spirit of the holiday season, let us remember to be thankful for the people—our sunlight—who are always there for us. Because ordinary is extraordinary.