Lighting the Lamps

And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Mark 4:21-25

One of the things about summer in Alaska is the length of days. Even after the sun goes down officially, the twilight is very elongated and the sun is coming back around again very early. We don't have to light our lamps until very late, if at all, on sunny days. In the dead of winter, we need all the light we can get. How common a thing like light can become extraordinarily precious when it goes away.

Jesus is talking with his followers about using what they have been given. Our light is needed, our hospitality and generosity, our service and our tenderness is all needed in the world. Nothing can be saved for some great unexpected need that might arise. We are encouraged to give it our all when we are able. God invites us to set the world ablaze with love and compassion.

Today I ask God to help me not hold back. May we all offer what we have, not worrying about what people think but remembering always what God calls us to do. May we set the world alight with compassion and love today.