Let There Be Light (10/15/2023)

This morning as I came into my office to write my blog for the day, I flipped the light switch. Instead of silent light appearing, I heard that dreaded dull sound of a light bulb burning out. And I stood in darkness. I looked up at the ceiling and knew that I couldn’t change the bulb by myself. Then I remembered my desk lamp, created as a gift for me by my grandson. I felt my way to the desk, then I felt my way to the lamp, then I felt my way to the switch. “Let there be light,” I said to myself. And sure enough, there was light.

I found myself thinking of my grandson and the day he gave me the most special lamp, crafted by him from old gears and a rod with his masterful welding skills. His love is a light in my life, so it is fitting that the light this morning is a fruit of his love. I am blessed. Immediately, I looked about me and saw so many other fruits of my family’s lives and love. They are there every day, but this day, in the lamp light, I noticed what I had at other times taken for granted. What a wonderful way to start my week.

And so, I invite all of you, my readers, to spend time considering the fruits of others that have brought light to your life: gifts, time spent together, loving kindnesses. And I invite you to join with me in considering how we bring light to the lives of others: loving kindnesses, time spent together, sharing our faith, lending a hand, sending a card of encouragement. We are called to be light (Matthew 5: 14-16): “Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

Our world today is filled with darkness. But it doesn’t need to be. Within us, the LORD lives and calls us to use our God-given gifts and our love as light to others and in doing so glorify our LORD. May this day be a day of light, glorious light, light that illuminates the world with faith, hope, and love.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.