At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from

The words of Albert Schweitzer resound like a gentle bell of wisdom: “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” Here, he speaks of the mysterious ebb and flow of the human spirit. No soul burns brightly forever without falter. There are seasons when hope wanes, when faith dims, when the burdens of life press down like heavy stones. Yet, in such moments, the mercy of another’s kindness, word, or presence may strike the flint that reignites our inner fire.

The light is the spirit, the strength, the courage that allows us to walk through life with meaning. When it weakens, despair creeps in, and the path grows dark. But Schweitzer reminds us that no man is alone in such darkness. The spark of another—an encouraging word, an act of compassion, a simple hand stretched forth—can stir embers long thought dead into flame again. Thus, the survival of hope often depends not on the solitary self, but on the unseen network of souls who bear light to one another.

Consider the story of Helen Keller, blind and deaf from childhood, trapped in a prison of silence. Her inner light was nearly extinguished, for the world seemed closed to her. Yet, through the persistence of Anne Sullivan, her teacher and companion, a spark was given. With patience and love, Sullivan spelled words into Helen’s hand until meaning burst into her soul. From that moment, a flame roared to life, and Helen not only overcame her limitations but became a beacon of inspiration to millions. Her story stands as living proof of Schweitzer’s truth: that the gift of one person’s spark can ignite a fire that warms the whole world.

Schweitzer himself lived what he taught. A man of many talents—philosopher, musician, doctor—he left comfort behind to serve in the jungles of Africa, bringing healing and hope to the forgotten. He knew that the flame of his own life was kept burning not by his strength alone, but by those who inspired him, guided him, and gave him courage when he faltered. In his gratitude, he became a bearer of sparks to countless others, showing that the cycle of light continues as long as we give as freely as we have received.

The ancients, too, spoke of such truth. In the Hebrew Scriptures, it is written: “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” The Greeks told of Prometheus, who brought fire from the gods to humanity. In every culture, there is the memory that fire—whether literal or of the spirit—is a gift to be shared. No one is meant to guard their light alone, but to pass it, to kindle it, to multiply it. For in sharing, light is not diminished, but increased.

What lesson, then, must we carry? It is this: never underestimate the power of your smallest kindness. A word spoken with love, a listening ear, a gesture of care—these may seem to you like little sparks, but to another they may mean the reignition of life itself. And likewise, never forget to remember, with deep gratitude, those who have rekindled your flame. To honor them is to keep their light alive within you.

Practically, let each one of us take up this calling. Reflect on those who brought you strength in times of weakness, and if possible, thank them. Keep watch for those around you whose flame is faltering, and be the one to strike the spark. Do not withhold encouragement, for you may not know how near another is to despair. Share your light without fear, for the world is vast and full of shadows, and every flame is needed.

Thus, Schweitzer’s words endure as both reminder and charge: our light may falter, but it can be rekindled; our hearts may grow weary, but another’s spark can restore us. Live, then, as both receiver and giver of light—thankful for the flames within you, and determined to ignite flames in others. In this way, the world is kept aglow, and no soul is left in darkness.