A Light Bulb and a Lesson in Second Chances

Sheri Wohlfert recalls a story that makes her think about how she treats others and what she truly values.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own. (1 Peter 2:9)

I came across a story a couple of weeks ago and it was a good one! It was one of those stories that sticks with you and applies to lots of different things. I found the story in a Gospel reflection book written by Fr. Joe Kempf, and I decided all of you needed to read it too.

When Thomas Edison was working on improving his first light bulb, he handed the finished bulb to a young helper, who nervously and slowly carried it upstairs, but near the top step he dropped and shattered it. After a moment of horrified silence, the whole team set back to work. It took them 24 more hours of hard work to make another bulb. When it was finished they needed someone to take it upstairs again, Edison looked around, found the same boy and handed the new bulb to him to do the job. Edison knew that something more important than the bulb was at stake.

I think one of the reasons I love this story is because it so clearly illustrates trust, mercy, forgiveness, and unselfishness. It made me think of all the things I fuss about. It made me think about all the things I take so seriously. It made me think of all the things I think I have to be in charge of myself. It made me think of all the silly things I believe are so valuable. But the biggie … it made me realize how easy it should be to give second chances and how grateful I am that God is so good at giving them again and again.

The invention of the light bulb was a pretty big stinkin’ deal for heaven’s sake, but Mr. Edison realized the human spirit was far more valuable! The whole story makes me think about how I treat others and what I truly value. It makes me think of some advice I got as a young teacher; people are ALWAYS more important than paper and stuff. Maybe this short post can be a reminder to us all.

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It made me realize how easy it should be to give second chances and how grateful I am that God is so good at giving them again and again. #catholicmom

A Seed to Plant: Make a list of your top 5 priorities … do they match the way you balance your time and attitude? Make someone feel important today!

Blessings on your day!

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