Sometime last week my
grandson, Micah, discovered his shadow. Unlike when the groundhog from Pennsylvania sees its shadow, there is no weather significance
attached to this event. Nevertheless, it was a big deal.
Micah waved his hand,
moved his arm and walked back forth toward his shadow with the shadow staying
true to his movements. It wasn’t until he turned around to see if his shadow
was behind him that he found it was only front of him.
We usually only see our shadow
in front of us, but the shadow we cast behind us may have a longer–lasting
effect. What legacy do we leave behind? Who will remember that we once walked
the earth blocking out the sun with our silhouette?
People often speak of
shadows in foreboding and ominous tones, but when we project our shadow it
means there is a light shining upon us and we are alive; the dead and buried
cast no shadows.
Our shadows are reminders
that we live and breathe. Right there in front of us, they remind us we have a
presence, and that just by being here we have influence – good or bad.
We are teachers, whether
we have a classroom or not. We are ministers, whether we have a congregation of
one or many. When we speak our audience may fill an auditorium or just the seat
across from us. Our words may be read by many or only one.
With the shadow we throw
we can block the sun to protect against its harmful rays while providing cool
and comfort from the stress of the day.
Now is the age of
discovery for my grandson. Almost every day he may turn and notice something
new, but from now on he will never walk alone. For many years, perhaps the rest
of his life, Micah will be aware of his shadow and find it fascinating, perhaps
even comforting. Late at night, when he can’t sleep, he may turn to find that
his shadow is close by, ready to entertain him with silhouettes of birds and
rabbits.
When I was young I walked
in the shadows of my father and his father. When I was a small boy they were my
giants; they were large in stature, and as I got older they grew in my sight as
I learned what it means to be a big man. Honesty and hard work won’t guarantee
success, but any victories attained without them are transparent and fleeting.
For now, I over shadow
Micah; I am one of the giants that walk among him. As his grandfather, I walk
before him. May he find comfort having lived in my shadow long after my light
has gone out.
Peter Pan, the boy who
wouldn’t grow up, had trouble getting his shadow to stick on. I want Micah to
remain a little boy forever, if only for my selfish reasons, but just as the
shadows lengthen as the day wanes, Micah will grow tall and strong as he grows
up. I pray he always walks in the light and that he discovers where to cast his
shadow.
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