Many years ago when we were gathering together to form a nation and trying to define ourselves as a people, we chose to see ourselves as a light shining on a hill. The light should shine, not only for each one of us and our descendants, but also for the world to see and to follow our enlightenment. The light was to be the light, which opened the eyes of all people to see themselves as peoples living together in mutual support and understanding.
Unfortunately we have not always lived up to our early vision. We have experienced many dark days over the three hundred years of peoplehood. The light has flickered and dimmed many times, but we have been able to relight it time and again.
We are at present engaged in the most important task as a people, that is: to choose who shall kindle and carry the light on the hill. It has unfortunately become a process leading us into the dark of despair and desperation. What should be friendly conversation has turned to fiendish accusation, disinterested self-giving has turned into egocentric self greed, we into me!
Maybe the real issue is that we like to blame it all on the light bearers on the hill and thereby free ourselves from our own personal and individual responsibility. Are we forgetting that the light on the hill is to be lit by all of us? Forgetting that it is our light? That we are all responsible for keeping it bright in these days of darkness? If so, it would be good for all of us to remember “This little light of mine!”—MINE!—Let it shine, shine—SHINE!
Jake Hjorth
Grand Marais
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