How to Shine: Lessons from the Sun

“There on the sun
So bright and young

There on the sun
So bright …you could be anyone

Above the clouds there is a canvas ocean blue
And all the lost balloons and rainbow ends swim there
Higher still the stars are shining out the truth
That here is there and there is everywhere

Up there on the sun
So bright and young
There on the sun
So bright you could be anyone

Here in this place
There is evidence enough that I can change
Here in this place
I’m a shadow of what I could be.”

~Smalltown Poets from There on the Sun

I love when I am listening to music at the gym and I hear an obscure song that probably no one has ever heard. It’s called “There on the Sun” by Smalltown Poets and some of the lyrics are above. I know that are many strange references in the song, especially the line about “rainbows and lost balloons”. However, my favorite line is “There on the sun..you could be anyone.” I know it is partly a reference to heaven and the fact that eternity affords us the luxury of being anything we want to be. We have forever to get it right and enjoy it.

I think the song also speaks to human potential. I have been thinking about the dreams we reach for and the promises we make to ourselves. “I will be happy and successful…” “I will always work out…” “I will read my Bible every day…” “I am going to be a better person that I was 3 years ago….” I got to wondering why we make the promises in the first place, and also why we break them. Sorry, but I don’t have the answer. Maybe you do. We could blame it on sin, the human condition, the fickleness of our brains, or a number of other factors. The fact is that our potential to do amazing things exists and it is as clear and limitless as the Sun.

Scientists say the sun will burn out in about 3 or 4 billion years. Obviously, there is no reason to worry about something that far away. It runs on the process of nuclear fusion, which creates a natural, sustainable, and undying source of energy. It burns continually and gives light to everything around it. The sun is the source of life for all living things. When I think of a role model for meeting my potential, I look to the Sun. Alright, so I know you are thinking I am crazy because it is not a living object. But bear with me. When I think of a goal, be it losing weight, training for a run, finishing my degree, or reading my Bible, it has to burn within me for me to be successful. I have to have a passion for it. It needs to be bright enough for all to see. Finally it needs to be lofty and unquenchable. If it’s not, it will burn out.

I see people all the time that have burned out. Given up. The fire is out. How sad and how true that is about the reality of the human spirit. As we look to these Olympic games and also reflect on our goals and dreams, may we be inspired to burn with passion for the goals we wish to accomplish and for what is truly important in our lives. May I reflect on the blinding, burning, and unquenchable fire of my goals and passions as I see them come to pass. If not, my life is a burned out torch. Any empty and cold moon.

If you have a goal or dream for yourself, let it shine. That’s the only way it will ever happen.

I’ll end with another song. This one may be more familiar: “My future’s so bright…I gotta wear shades!!”

Shine on!!

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