Shining The Light
by Becky Williams

“You are the light of the world.  A city built on a hill cannot be hid.  No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.  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.”  Matthew 5:14-16

I once heard a story about a wealthy man who owned a mountain cottage deep in the forest.  The story took place back in the days when electricity was first discovered.  Because of his wealth, this man was able to have electricity in his cottage. 

One day while the man was visiting his cottage, he took a stroll in the woods.  As he was walking, he came upon a woman who lived in a small home some distance from his cottage.  The two began to talk. 

“Where are you staying”, the woman asked.  The man gave her general directions to where he was living.  The woman beamed and thanked the man for turning on the lights in his cottage at night.  She said that the lights provided her with hope and it calmed her fears, knowing that there was someone else out there. 

The man was shocked.  He had no idea that there were other houses, much less the fact that the lights meant that much to someone.  The man chose to come to his cottage more often, so that he could shine the light for the woman. 

How often do you think about how what you do or say impacts the lives of the people around you?  We may be a light to people we do not even know.  By living out the life God created us to and by sharing the good news of Jesus in the things we say and do, we may be that light on the hill or a symbol of hope to a person who is lost, lonely or scared.

Dear God, help me to let the light of Your love shine through me.  Help me to remember that even the small, everyday things I do can be used by You to make a difference in the lives of others.  Give me the courage to shine the light wherever there is darkness.  And help me to say “Thanks” to those who show Your love to me.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN.