Something a Little "Light-er"

This is the view from my dining room table looking out the kitchen windows when the light is on in the dining room, reflected in the window...

Ok, so the past couple of posts have been rather heavy...talking about death and dreams and identities. If you missed them, you can go back and read them later.  Tonight I wanted to say something a little on the "Light" side...so I've posted a picture of my dining room light as reflected in my kitchen windows.  I always notice this reflection from my place at the dinner table, and I love how the light looks like it is actually hanging outside in the trees! I've often thought of taking a picture of this view, but usually I get so bogged down in eating and cleaning up that I forget to stop and capture the light before it disappears.

I think that is true about human nature.  We tend to get so bogged down in our daily chores, responsibilities, worries, and activities that we forget to take time to enjoy the beauty around us...the way the sunlight filters through the spider webs so intricately woven and ready to surprise the unwary bug as he passes through..

the way the birds are busily flitting around from tree to tree,

gathering in the seeds and insects to feed their families for their evening meal...





or perhaps the hawk that is perched and watching for his meal to slow down just long enough to be grasped in the his talons.

We get too distracted with so many important issues that we forget the simple joy of stopping to smell the roses that are poised and waiting for us to be blessed by their sweet fragrance...


We walk so fast with our head in the air that we don't even notice the tracks and prints of others who have already passed our way....

We may not even realize that danger could be lurking just around the corner because we just aren't paying attention...  I mean...bears could be walking right across your front lawn and you are totally oblivious because you're too caught up in the stuff that could probably be set aside for a little while!

There might even be a rare or rarely seen bird sitting right above you, but you are too caught up in your plans, your computer, your book, your own little world to even look up.

An almost extinct Scrub Jay, rarely seen in our woods anymore

I know I often even forget to just stop and "GIVE THANKS" for all God's bountiful benefits

that He has so richly bestowed upon me. All this beauty surrounding us,

my family, my friends, my job, my home, my church, my health, 

my country, my freedom, 

So many things that I tend to take for granted.

As I am sitting here safe and dry and comfortable in my home, I am at this very moment listening to the 

news that is reporting the horrific outbreak of severe storms and tornadoes that have 

just swept across our country's midwest and central region. 

Suddenly my "Light-er" emphasis is feeling a bit too lacking in depth and sincerity.

Others are suffering while I am feeling blessed.

I can't explain that, and I don't know how to compensate for this.

It makes me realize just how quickly all of these blessings could be taken away...

and it causes me to stop and pray...and be all the more thankful for what I do have, and

pray that those who are hurting and suffering tonight will be comforted and cared for.

In Matthew chapter 5, verses 3-4, Jesus went up on a mountain and taught this to His disciples:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are those who mourn,

For they shall be comforted."

A little later He said,

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden...." 

"Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house."

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."   (Matthew 5:14 -16)

I can't do anything significant about the tragedies in the world, but I can try to let my light shine where I am to bring light into the darkness.

I pray that God will help me to be a light - bearer in all that I do.

Then I will be doing my part...

and I can trust God to take care of the rest.

"This little light of mine,

I'm gonna let it shine.

This little light of mine,

I'm gonna let it shine,

let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel, NO!

I'm gonna let it shine!

Hide it under a bushel, NO!

I'm gonna let it shine.

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Let it shine 'til Jesus comes,

I'm gonna let it shine!

Let it shine 'til Jesus comes,

I'm gonna let it shine,

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

Won't let Satan put it out,

I'm gonna let it shine!

Won't let Satan put it out,

I'm gonna let it shine,

let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

This little light of mine,

I'm gonna let it shine!

This little light of mine,

I'm gonna let it shine!

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!"

Lord, help me to be a light for YOU.

In Jesus' Name I pray,

Amen.

How about you?  Is your light shining brightly? Let it shine! Let it shine, let it shine!!

Some other "Light" posts you might enjoy : The Light Has Come  , Let There Be Light, The View From My Open Window at 4:30 AM