Beam (n) squared piece of timber or metal

Beam (n) ray of light

Would you rather be hit with a 2 x 4 or a beam of light?  Fairly easy choice in reality.  One is going to knock you down while the other will illuminate you. 

Beams are used in structures as the main support.  Typically, whether metal or wood, beams provide the foundation or the spans above to support walls and roofs.  They are integral to construction.  Remove the wrong one and the load of the building may be compromised. My husband and I enjoy watching home improvement programs.  One of the most common changes in renovations is the opening up of kitchens into living spaces.  It is a wonderful change to most homes but requires significant cost.  To replace a load bearing wall, a massive beam is brought in to span the new opening.  Voila!  Now the weight is all centered on the new beam.  Incredible how one beam can result in such a dramatic transformation.

A beam of light, in contrast, is weightless.  My office at one of my places of employment had an awesome window, permitting wonderful rays of sunshine to radiate in.  A coworker would often come in on cold fall days and sit in the sun puddle while updating me on her challenges of the day.  There was something rejuvenating by basking in the warmth of the beams.  Our pets also seemed to gravitate towards those sun puddles in our home.  When walking through the woods, the rays of light streaming through the trees produces an awe-inspiring illumination of the trail.  These transparent beams create incredible beauty.  Headlamps and flashlights all offer the instant illumination into the darkest of places.  A simple beam of light scatters fear and the unknown, providing safety as we venture forth.  A beaming smile can also break through the darkness and radiate warmth.

Whether you’re walking across a room, mesmerized by a soaring ceiling or enjoying a stroll in the autumn sunshine, ponder the beams around you.  I’m guessing, before you know it, you’ll be beaming in amusement how the Word Well Wednesday has snuck into your day long after you’ve read it!