Jesus said let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). And this is for all those out there who are shining bright. You are the ones who bring glory to His name!
I learned something about my husband’s cousin this morning. She has MS, and I didn’t even know it. And you know, although we don’t see each other often, what I remember about this gal is that she is exuberant. She’s joyful. She’s contagious. And she posted something yesterday that moved me to write about yet more struggle. But at the time, I didn’t even know what she was really going through! Because although she wrote about going through a valley, you know what she did? She counted her blessings. She thanked God for what she did have. Rather than bemoan her situation, she brought glory to His name. She shines.
There’s a gal I know who has two boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Oh, how she struggles. I don’t even have a clue how hard she works. But you know what I know about her? She’s beautiful… inside and out. She has such a sweet heart, and for some reason when I see her, I’m drawn to her. She doesn’t complain about her situation. You know what she does? She brings glory to His name. She shines.
You know, my son was baptized this past Sunday. And it was a beautiful ceremony… the pastor sprinkled him with salt, and gave him a candle. See… we’re supposed to be the salt and the light of the world. We’re supposed to shine that light for all to see. And what a joyful occasion it was! My son has invited Jesus into his heart, and he has a hope and a future. He is secure! What glory! And yet, I write about the struggle. May God help me to see what He’s given me. May God help me to embrace my current season in life. May God give me the eyes to see, as I’m so very blind! God help me! Help me to shine! Restore the sparkle to my eye so that I can be like these two gals I know. They’re beautiful, contagious and special. And they bring such glory to Your name.
Lord, help us all to see what we have. Remove the scales from our eyes. Help us all to find blessing in each day. Because it’s all around us. If we can just open our eyes wide enough. And to those who shine bright, for His glory, I say thank you. From the bottom of my heart. You bring glory to His name. May we all follow your lead… may we all shine bright.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. Matthew 6:22
painter's daughter (a work in progress) 