We had a heavy snowfall yesterday interspersed with a bit of rain towards the end of the storm, followed by below-freezing temperatures. Early this morning I had to catch the rays of sun lighting up the bright formations created by the quick freeze. What gorgeous, intricate artwork!
The rays of sun bring out amazing beauty, don’t they? God’s artistry is phenomenal.
It makes me think of something Jesus said:
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Matthew 5:14-16 NLT
Naturally, that brings a few questions to light…
- If you are the light, is God’s light shining through your words and actions enough for people to see a family resemblance?
“Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people” (Philippians 2:15).
2. Do your words and actions cause folks to see the goodness of God, or focus their attention on you?
“All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants” (John 3:20-21).
3. Finally, the sun didn’t create those amazing ice sentinels at the top of the snow mound, but it certainly brought out their beauty! The light in your heart comes with the blessing of hope. Are you willing to share that light and hope with others?
“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ” (1 Peter 3:15-16).
And that, friends, is my Monday musing this week!
Make every effort to shine brightly in this dark world. Humanity needs the light, hope, joy and peace we have to share. There’s more than enough to go around!
Lauri Hawley 