Like the meme implies, if you've ever been a flashlight holder, you know it is not a job for the faint of heart. Nothing in life teaches humility quite like holding a flashlight while someone else does the actual work. And the lessons can be harsh.
Of course, flashlight holders are not always standing beside their dad while he fixes the car. Anyone who has ever been an assistant, helper, or support person has held a flashlight. And it is much harder than it sounds.
Some of us spend a lifetime in the position of helper. Not only do you have to support the doer, but you have to be in the right place at the right time. You have to listen carefully and keep your mouth shut when you're tempted to offer unnecessary advice. You have to know when to speak and how to do it without offending the director of operations. You need enough knowledge to anticipate the next move before it happens. Sometimes you have to offer encouragement while dodging accusations and blame. And if you're anything like me, you also have to keep your itchy fingers from taking over the project yourself.
Chances are, your role is more support than leadership. It takes many people to support a mission, but only a few are called to lead it. There is only one surgeon performing the operation, yet an entire team is working alongside him or her. Though much of their work happens behind the scenes, their contribution is essential.
The challenge is that when the job is done well, the spotlight rarely falls on the flashlight holder. The accolades go elsewhere. At best, you might receive a quick thank-you before everyone moves on.
So who are history's famous flashlight holders?
Most of us couldn't name them.
Do you know the names of Thomas Edison's assistants? How about the people who influenced Isaac Newton? Who helped refine the assembly line or supported the Wright brothers as they pursued flight? History remembers the leaders and innovators, but countless unnamed people made their success possible.
The truth is that there is very little glory in being support staff, but nothing significant gets accomplished without them.
So where do we learn how to be a great flashlight holder?
The Bible is filled with them.
Mordecai stood behind Esther and helped guide her during a critical moment in history. Jonathan supported David even when it cost him personally. Pilate's wife tried to warn her husband about Jesus’ innocence, though he ignored her counsel.
But my favorite biblical flashlight holder is Mary Magdalene.
While the disciples hid behind locked doors, Mary went to the tomb. She was among the first to discover that it was empty and among the first to proclaim that Jesus was alive. God entrusted one of the greatest announcements in human history to someone who would never hold an official position of leadership.
Without Mary and other women, Jesus may have had to ‘Gibbs-slap’ the other disciples before they figured it out. Sometimes the flashlight holder sees the truth before everyone else.
So the next time you find yourself working in the shadows while someone else receives the recognition, remember this: progress stops without knowledgeable, dependable, and supportive flashlight holders.
The light may not be shining on you, but it is shining because of you.
