Who Is Your Lamppost?

Driving down the street it was dark, it was late and I was tired. Getting home was the only thing on my mind.

When I turned on to my street I felt myself exhale. I could see the outline of my house because the street light was shining on it and I was so relieved...almost there.

What happened next surprised me. I began to notice the lampposts one by one as I drove past them. My attention was suddenly captured by the blaze of shining glowing brightness unfolding in front of me not only from the street lights but all the porches and motion sensors and even from inside the houses.

I started thinking about the idea of “coming home.” Not to my actual house but to myself. I had an aha moment when I realized what the street lights provide, they light my way home. Similar to what my family and friends did for me during my recent recovery from hip replacement surgery. There were times during those many weeks when I did not feel home in my body due to the pain, losing my independence, my mobility and the freedom to do all the things I would normally do.

All the people who showed up for me were like my street lampposts because they held the light until I could find my way back to myself. Examples of how they lit the way for me included phone calls, texts, cards, visits, flowers, picking up groceries, taking me to appointments or a few comforting reassuring words.

In our fast paced chaotic world today it is easier than ever before to lose ourselves. By that I mean losing the connection to our inner home. That feeling of being present, grounded and centered. This separation can happen to anyone at any time and usually results from some kind of trauma or loss or dark time. The way back seems too hard to navigate alone.

I hope reading this gives you pause to reflect on who the lampposts are in your life as well as who you are the lamppost for?