Insignificant in the Cosmos, Critical Where We Stand

I had an interesting insight during my morning meditation. It’s certainly not too original or impactful. But for me, at this time, it was revelatory. One person standing in the vastness of the cosmos is relatively insignificant. But that same person can be critical to the places and people they are with. Insignificant is not unimportant.

As I write this, I realize this isn’t the first time that I have had this understanding. It’s just been in different forms.

When I was a brigade commander in Bosnia way back in 2001-2002, there was an old, ruined castle near Eagle Base in Tuzla. My CSM and I decided to have the brigade end of rotation ceremony there. We developed a torch-lit ceremony in the main area of the old castle keep. The soldiers marched across a rickety old bridge into the castle, lit only with torchlight, with music playing. As each soldier entered the castle, they were given a small candle, pretty much like a candle for a birthday cake. We put out the torches and the CSM and I lit our candles and started to pass the light to other candles in the formation. The wind was swirling in the old keep, and the candles were blowing out. I was just about to relight the torches when suddenly, the small candles sustained their small individual flames and soldiers could pass on the light. Soon, the keep was brightly lit by all the tiny flames. Each candle was relatively insignificant, but together they were a beacon of light on a dark and windy night.

The CSM and I made the point about passing along the light; sharing what you know and being a shining example for others. One candle may not do much, but a hundred or so candles can. Still insignificant in the Cosmos, but powerful where we live and work.

Light a candle and pass it on. Gaze at the stars with your family.

Feel and understand your value at that particular place and time to those you are with.

You are important and you are, for better or worse, an example for those around you. All the time. In good times and in hard times.