“This world does not revolve around you.” “You are not the center of the universe.”

These words have often been said and heard by many. Perhaps directed toward some who deserved it, and mentioned by others who grew tired of the selfish. Obviously, these phrases imply that the selfish person in question either behaves or somehow actually believes that they are “God’s greatest gift to the world.” Though this particular person in question may have taken it to an extreme extent and went about it incorrectly- they’re not wrong. They just looked at and handled it a bit mistakenly…

Whether or not you believe in a higher power, and whether you call that power “God”, “the Universe” or anything else- there is no doubt that you are, in fact, one of the absolute greatest gifts to this world. Please note: I said “to” this world. You are the gift, so give. With that being said, as with anything in this universe, there is a balance to be struck.

Being a night owl, I’ve grown a bond with the moon. Madam Luna flows through her phases gracefully and shines through the darkness calmly, effortlessly. And while getting to know her, I’ve come to adore her romance with the Sun. Somehow, the world does revolve around him. Turns out, he is the center of the galaxy. How is it then, that he’s struck the balance that won the moon’s heart?

Humility is an absolutely necessary virtue. Selflessness can truly make the world go ‘round. Through all the love you have to share, through all the faith you may have in others, through every kind word you have to say about someone else- do not lose sight of yourself. Do not forget that you are a great gift too. It is known that the sun is the source of all life- providing enough heat to grow the flora that surrounds and sustains the fauna. He warms, he gives, and he shines. With all this, the sun never grows dim, not once loses a beautiful flame. He remains ablaze knowing his power and all he has to offer. One can be humble all while being confident. It is possible to give something, without giving up anything. So go ahead and shine onto others, but never forget to shine on.

Stepping aside for others does not mean you need to set yourself aside. Recognize that others deserve to glow, and genuinely give them their well deserved moment in the spotlight. Acknowledging that someone else is worthy of being orbited by all the best in the universe does not mean that you shouldn’t be.

Obviously with all his fire and power, even the sun takes a moment to let others rise. He rests to allow his beloved moon to take the sky and shine in her own way. Through all this, he loses nothing of himself. If anything, it seems that after the darkness that is brightened by the moon, the sun shines even brighter in the morning. Whose to say we wouldn’t experience the same? Even the sun is humble enough to be eclipsed from time to time, but in the end, you know he’s there, ready whenever his moment comes to shine.

You may not be the center of the universe, and the world may not actually revolve around you. But even if it did, thanks to the Sun, we already know how that goes. So go ahead, help others glow, all while beaming your own light. Imagine what a beautiful morning that will be. Here comes the sun.

“Sometimes I think of the sun and the moon as lovers who rarely meet, always chase, and almost always miss one another. But once in a while, they do catch up, and they kiss, and the world stares in awe of their eclipse.” – Anonymous

JMP