Shining Lights

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, 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 who is in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16

We had a visit today from my sister Betsy who brought Cole and Annabel with her. We had a great visit and a lot of laughs and went out to lunch at a local diner. Smiles and giggles all around with pancakes, french fries and chocolate milk in abundance. It was a day of light, the brilliant light twinkling in children who know no reason not to enjoy the day and linger in the silly moments. We all have lots of challenges as siblings and as a family, but there is light spilling everywhere with laughter close on by. There is no way to hide that kind of love and joy that can't be contained.

Jesus tells his disciples about how to live life. Not by a thousand rules, or by a strict diet or philosophy, but rather by spreading light and joy where ever we go. We are to use the gifts we have been given, the love and the family we are, as ways to honor God and the people around us. Many of us want a system or a set of rules but God wants us to use what we have and who we are- right now - for the good of the world around us.

Today I ask God to let me accept the gifts I have and use them all for the good of God's reign and for the service of others. I ask that I don't hesitate because of what or where I am not yet, and offer my all now, even if my light flickers and seems dim from time to time.