It's a rainy fall day in NH today. It's days like today that I enjoy lighting candles around the house. Okay, maybe it's time to admit - I enjoy lighting candles EVERY day. Yet, on days such as these, the flames seem to burn brighter, the scents seem to be stronger. Why? I believe there are many answers to those questions. On days like today, when the world seems to be a bit dimmer, the light is stronger, it lights my path around the house brighter. It provides a sense of warmth. The house seems a bit warmer because the candles are burning. The topper is the wonderful scents that the candles are giving off - it smells like fall on the inside of the house. Although it is dreary on the outside, the light is burning bright and providing happiness on the inside.
The candle and its light made me think of us, as people. How often are we surrounded by the dimness of the world? It can be a series of many things. If we are in school, it could be difficulty with our studies, or a tough time with friends, or the demands of school and after-school activities. If we are in the workforce, maybe it is the challenge of looking for a job, or finding our "place" in the one that we have, or understanding how a life in the workplace is orchestrated. If we are in relationships, we might be treading new steps with each other, or maybe we are being introduced to not only all the great "wonders" of love, but some of the trials that go along with it as well. If we are parents, there are the struggles of patience and discipline. If we are alone, there are the days of actually feeling alone - although we may have many friends around us. If we struggle with our health, there are the days when we don't feel so great, and memories of when we did.
The dimness of the world can overcome us in many different circumstances. If the world is not dim for me or you, I am sure that there is someone around us that is struggling, that may be having difficulty. This is when the light needs to shine through. Yes, a wonderful scented candle might help. Yet, greater than that light is the light that is inside each of us - the light of the Holy Spirit richly presenting itself from God. THAT light is one that is more powerful than any other light we can imagine, than the light of a candle, a lamp, or the sun. The light that we can share with others is what God has asked us to do. It is that light that gives the world its true warmth. It is that light that can bring all the challenges listed earlier to a brighter place. It is that light that will one day bring us home to our heavenly Father.
Now comes the great challenge. How do we shine that light? How do we get the light that is inside of us shining brightly for the rest of the world? I am sure we can all find something to do, a deed, an act, that will shine light into a person's dim world. A note, a meal, a call, a visit, a helping hand, a needed check, . . . . the list continues. We can all find something, do something, to bring light and warmth. God rewards those whose light shines. Even when it is our world that may be dim, we can reach out - we can bring light. Our light needs to shine. If it doesn't, it means that Satan has won in our dark moments. We know that's not the case. Usually, it is in those moments when our world seems most dim, when we DO shine our light, we are so very richly rewarded. Our reward may not be exactly what WE think is needed at the time, but it will certainly be what God KNOWS is needed at the time. When we look back upon those times, we always know we are richly blessed.
When I think of light, I can't help but remember teaching Sunday School with my dear friend and singing the song, "This Little Light of Mine" with them. I believe it is one of my favorites. Will you sing with me??
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel, NO, I'm gonna let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel, NO, I'm gonna let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Don't let Satan blow it out, I'm gonna let it shine.
Don't let Satan blow it out, I'm gonna let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
This week, let us shine our lights. Let us do something for someone who may need some extra brightness in their lives. Even if you believe that it is too difficult for you to do right now, try. It doesn't need to be much, a small flicker can provide a sense of great warmth. We all have the ability to be a light for someone. The glory will be all God's!!
"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (NIV) Matthew 5:16
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