Wholly Bright

“No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.” Luke 11:33-36

I woke up this morning in the still darkness to find a covering of snow on the ground. I also woke up to good reports from my family that they survived the worst of the storm and folks still have homes and power, for the most part. All day yesterday, I could think of nothing else but them and our family home, where the light house stands shining bright in ever rotating circles. It has always been a constant reminder of God's protection and light. It can be disconcerting to those who have the wholly bright light shine in their eyes while trying to sleep, but for us who have made the place a home, it is love writ large.

Jesus is moving through the crowds, and folks are expectant and developing an dependence on his presence. Understanding that God makes a home within each of us, he encourages them to take charge of their faith, acting from the place of blessing and light for others around them. He did not want them to hoard God's love or hide it, but maturely share it and encourage God's love and light in others. We are encouraged to find God's blessings and presence in our lives and to actively share that goodness with others.

Today, as the storm passes and we wait to hear of everyone's safety, may we remember that God abides with each and every one of us. We are God's light and we can shine for those who have lost their way. We can be a beacon of hope to those who have broken hearts and who are still wrapped in darkness. May we shine brightly as the pieces are put back together, and may we be tender and loving to all as God mends our broken lives.