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My second night at the Farm, the air was clear and crisp which set a beautiful stage for star gazing. I laid in the cold, damp grass, so struck by the sky, it took my breath away. You know the kind of sky I’m talking about, where you can see galaxies that look like waves of mist in the sky and it’s hard to see where one star ends and another begins. And because the backdrop was pitch black it made the stars shine even brighter. I remarked to myself that I don’t experience a sky like this in town. There’s too much artificial light from streetlights and head lights, and house lights to compete with. The stars are there but outside influences dull the brilliance of their shine. In my heart I heard God ask me, “what’s dulling your shine Marlee?” My mind went to Matthew 5:16, Jesus told his disciples “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” I have light in me. Jesus promised that when I said yes to follow him, I would have His light in me. So, what outside influences am I allowing to cloud my ability to shine the light of Christ?
I’ve used several reasons for my lack of luster. I’m too tired to shine. Covid has zapped my sparkle. I don’t have important things to share. Other people can shine, I’ll just give off a glint of light now and again. And while it’s ok to be tired and worn out by the world sometimes, that is not how we are created to live. The light is given to remind us of our oneness with Christ. He is our source of light. The only way we can effectively shine for Jesus is to realize our worth in Him who is light and gave light.
What does it look like to shine the light of Christ? It is the ability for some to talk openly about the ways God is working in the world. It is sitting quietly with someone who simply needs the company of another. It is listening, without judgment, to a differing opinion. It is how we show up to our job, marriage, or family to the best of our ability that day. It is looking at yourself in the mirror and feeling love and gratitude for what God has fearfully and wonderfully made.
What it comes down to - do I believe I am made in the image of the Trinity, and to reflect that back to the world? Especially in the backdrop of the darkness in the world, we are meant to stand out in the best possible way. Glory to God.
Loving God, You are light and life. Thank you for the beauty of your creation and how it draws us closer to you. Thank you for shining your light in the darkest places in me and in the world. Not to bring shame or judgment but healing and wholeness. Awaken us to your presence and help us see all the ways we give and receive light. We ask this in the name of Jesus for our good and Your Glory. Amen.
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