Well, that got me thinking about the light that shines within us. . . at our baptism we are charged with the task to "let our light so shine before others" so that the world may see Christ at work in us and in the world. Is that what my friend sees in my daughter? Is that what I see when I look out into the congregation on a Sunday morning and I see eyes filled with tears of joy, smiles pasted on happy faces, looks of yearning to hear more and more about God's love and mercy? Is that what I see in our small group when sisters and brothers in faith encourage one another and support one another on this journey? I believe it is.
One thing I know about this light that shines within us is that it isn't "us." When we are plugged in to the source of our hope and strength, something is exuded from our faces. . . our lives. What people see in us is actually the light of Christ shining through. They often mistake it for "us" rather than what it really is. . . the light that shines through all darkness, Jesus our Lord. This light can attract others to us. . . it can draw them our way. We must always remember that it is not to "us" that they are being drawn, lest we begin to rely on that kind of affirmation, but it is to the One who gives the light and who is the light. That light is very beautiful indeed! It is something we notice almost right away in each other if we are in tune with the Spirit. . . we also feel it within ourselves as it seems that love will ooze right out of us onto those we meet. That's because we see Christ in them. . . we see them as God sees them. . . and we become the ones who share God's love with the world. Just like the light is not ours, so the love is not ours. . . it comes from God and flows through us to others.
May you be light to the world just like my little sunshine girl! May your heart be wide open to love others the way that God has first loved you. May you be blessed by the fullness of Christ Jesus in your heart and mind and soul and spirit.
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