Shine the Light

 

New Hampshire didn’t see much snow this past winter.  For some people, they may be shouting a resounding “Yea”.  Yet, for our area of the country little snow can cause a problem.  As we moved from winter to spring, the amount of rainfall we received in April, May and June was lighter than normal – causing drought conditions.  This is tough for many reasons, but especially the nearby farmlands that need the rain.  Then we entered July!  God must have heard all the praying for rain, and he didn’t disappoint.  We have had record rainfall this month, and we haven’t hit August yet!  The sunlight seems to be few and far between.

On those brief occasions when the sun shines, it is glorious!  The sun starts peeking through the clouds and lights up the earth.  One turns their face to the sun to feel that light on their skin, soaking up the energy the sun seems to bring.  I’ve noticed when the sun is shining, people are smiling.  Their dispositions are brighter and there is a pep in their step.  The sun brings joy.  When the sun shines after the rain, it always reminds me of our verse for today.

We are Jesus’ light here on earth.  When we shine the light that Jesus gives to us, so many great things occur:

• We can create the peek of sun is someone else’s darkness.
• We can bring a smile to someone’s dismal strife.
• We can share joy for someone’s sadness.
• We can provide hope to the hopeless.

Being the light of the world is a responsibility that we should all take on with conviction.  In a world that seems to be darkened with discontent and hatred, be the light to shine goodness.  If each one of us takes on this responsibility, we can be the “town on the hill” that cannot be hidden.  Our light isn’t just a reflection of us, it is THE reflection of Jesus!  Our light, when shined brightly, is Jesus shining through us.  How do we shine this light?  There is no better way than with words and actions; ensuring our words are filled with compassion and humility; ensuring our actions are filled with offering and hope.  Compassion, humility, offering and hope – isn’t that Jesus?  Doesn’t He provide all those to us?  Then we should be able to provide all those to others.  Be the light of the world – let Jesus’ light shine.

Dearest Jesus, help us to remember we are YOUR light – to shine in this world.  Remind us that our words and actions can light up our world with compassion, humility, offering and hope.  In times of darkness may we be the town on the hill shining to all, letting people know that YOU are the reason for our light.  In your shining name we pray.

Moments of Darkness

 

I woke up in the middle of the night and knew that something was wrong, something seemed to be “out of place”. I sat in bed for a few moments and realized there was no humming of the ceiling fan, no gentle rumble of the air conditioning, no dim light from the electronic devices.  I got out of bed and opened the blind.  There it was as I had suspected – pitch black darkness.  The power had gone off.  I checked other neighbors’ homes that tend to have a dimly lit outside light on and nothing. 

In that moment, it was eerily dark and quiet.  Even the stars were not shining as the clouds had overtaken them.  No light, only total darkness.  Although I knew the light of day was just a few hours away, it seemed a bit bleak to look out and not see a glimpse of light.

My mind immediately took me to many nights in my life when there did not seem to be any light.  The power may not have gone off, but the circumstances seemed to leave me in total darkness, not seeing any light at all – similar to this evening of no power.  My journey with cancer had many dark nights.  The chemo, for some reason, gave me insomnia.  I would be up at all hours of the night – exhausted but unable to sleep.  Those nights seemed incredibly dark, not knowing what the future would hold and if I would be able to see my babies grow up – their proms, their graduations, their weddings, their babies.  My journey of my first marriage ending had many dark nights, playing over and over in my head why this was not working.  There were many others that had me experiencing total darkness. 

Many of us have had these experiences, wondering if we would feel any light in a time of our lives when only darkness seemed to surround us.  This incredible verse today provides us the vision that our lives are not lived in total darkness, no matter how dreary the future seems to be.  We get to live our lives knowing that we are never alone in our darkness.  We have a savior who came into our world so that our darkness would always have a beacon of light.  We believe and we are blessed. We believe and we are saved.  We believe and we have eternal light.

Jesus came into this world so that we would not have to live in darkness.  His “power” is always on!  His light is always shining.  His beacon is always visible.  His light is for everyone who believes.  When our world is dark, and it will be, we have the One who shines among the darkness.  With this assurance, we know that our dark world will pass, and the light will once again shine, to us and from us.  Have faith my friends, simple faith, that the Lord who died on the cross for our sins is the same Lord who shines in our darkness.  May your faith live in Jesus’ light.

Dearest Jesus, how grateful we are that our darkest nights can turn into the lightest of days because of you.  With simple faith in the great I AM, we are able to walk through the dark towards the light that only you can shine.  May I remember this during dark times and know that you are always with me.  In your bright name I pray, Amen!

Family Reunion

 

I skipped a week of posting last week.  I hope you all agree with me that it was for a good reason.  We had a family reunion.  Cousins reuniting with cousins.  Granddaughter/great granddaughter being shared with the family for the first time.  New members of the family joining us.  It was an incredible day.  As the mother getting this wonderful opportunity to sit back and watch all the interactions (between serving food 😊), I had the good fortune to reflect on this moment, what God has brought together.

As we gathered out on the deck, I thought about how each person came to be.   Each situation was different.  Some met in high school, others at work.  Some met on land, others at sea.  Some came from traditional families; others came together after divorce.  All came together out of love.  Each person was there because someone loved another.  Each person was there because they loved each other.  All the family members have been there in times of adversity.

I found this passage from Proverbs to mirror the situation perfectly.  As we celebrated our family that day, there has also been heartache, times of trials and tribulations.  When I think back upon those times, family members have been there for each other, holding each other’s hands, providing comfort and guidance.  Being a member of this family means being there for it all, the good and the bad, the joy and the difficulties, the despair, and the hope.  It is about being present for all the experiences.

There is only One who could weave together this group of people.  There is only One who could have the right people meet each other.  There is only One who could bring individuals to a place called home.  That One is God.  Through His hand and by His wisdom, our family was created.  I am amazed when I think of that – of how we all came to be!  He has blessed our family, and I am certain has blessed your family as well.  Let us not take for granted that blessing.  May we be thankful for the blessing of family and revel in the awesome wonder of it all!

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the blessing of family.  May our family relationships grow stronger under your guidance and may our love for each continue to take priority.  Let us not forget your hand of orchestration in our families.  In your name we pray, Amen!