An employee at LHP has the cutest 3 ½-year-old boy named James. Several months ago, he had a birthday. So, when his mother told me, I sent him $5 for his birthday. Last week James sent me a thank you card. He drew and wrote the words “Thank You” on the card and signed his name. James’ expression of gratitude symbolized what God would have all of us to do to show our appreciation.
James’ expression of gratitude reminded me of the great inspiring words of biblical apostle Matthew who wrote, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid…… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Think about how pleasant it would be if we expressed our appreciation for the simplest things of this world.
Matthew’s words of wisdom probably inspired Marianne Williamson to write this profound statement: “You playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightening about shrinking so others won’t feel insecure around you. As you let your own light shine, you indirectly give others permission to do the same.”
The clarion call to all of us is to let our light shine because all of us have it for a reason and although it can be dimmed and forgotten, it cannot be lost. You cannot lose who you are because this light you have within you is all you need to illuminate your life as well as the lives of all those you meet today.
Here are some helpful observations on letting your light shine:
- Show compassion and love to someone who needs it and know that somebody cares. To be uncaring is God’s enemy and yours.
- Be honest with yourself and don’t excuse bad behavior or bad habits as a condition or tendency you were born with. You didn’t just make a bad judgment–you were wrong. You may have had a troubled past, but today you have choices. Choose to make better decisions so that others will want to follow in your footsteps.
- Stop beating yourself up about the past. You’re not supposed to wallow in condemnation before acknowledging your mistakes. Making yourself miserable doesn’t signify that you deserve forgiveness. That comes by grace, through faith alone. Every second spent in self-condemnation is time stolen from you and your relationships.
Motivational speaker Katrina Mayer said, “Simply shine your light on the road ahead, and you are helping others to see their way out of darkness.” So, the encouragement I leave with you in this inspiring message is to examine your actions and then make an assessment about the light you are shining. Is it dim or is it shining bright? Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
By Chaplain Ghosten
chaplain@lhp.net
