by Linda Mose Meadows
I recently caught a CNN commercial featuring a young man from Kenya named Evans Wadongo who’s used his life savings to create solar-powered lanterns. His invention is not only ingenious, but a life saver for many rural families who normally live without the benefit of electricity. There may not be many streetlights in these rural communities, but inside their homes they are able to thrive without the use of kerosene light fires. This young man’s work has profoundly impacted the lives of many people for the better. At least 10,000 lanterns have been distributed. Evans suffers with diminished eyesight caused by exposure to smoke and fumes from kerosene fires. His resilience and dedication to creating these wonderful lanterns are a result of his compassion and experience.
Mr. Wadongo’s story encouraged my heart and convinced me that inspiration is where we find it: in our pockets, on our book shelves, outside our windows, fluttering in our gardens, in the faces of others and in our hearts. There are divine instances or occurrences, call them what you will. They are the divine “ah ha moments” that delight our spirits and cause us to pause, ponder, appreciate life and become inspired to step lighter and sing louder while pushing forward to pursue our dreams even harder. Such inspiration is right there at arm’s reach.
Mr. Wadongo was not halted by his circumstances but instead motivated to search for a remedy. The natural and personal elements – the storms of life – will come, but there is beauty in the challenge. We can do as our Evans Wadongo did and create a solution to a problem life is presenting, refusing to be hindered by the challenging situation.
Friends, don’t be dismayed! We are also everyday heroes weathering the storms of life.
Linda Mose Meadows is the inspirational author of: The Blessedness of Believing: A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises (Tate Publishing). http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com
