Be The Light

Genesis 1.3

God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

I imagine the light was gradual, like a dimmer switch, slowly going from black, to gray, to light, to piercing brightness.

I wonder what prompted God to flip the switch?  Had he been toying with the idea for a while or was it spontaneous?  How long did He exist in the dark, and why? 

Questions.  I have questions…

But I am thankful for light.  I’m thankful for lights in my house that when illuminated, vanish darkness.  Thankful for people who light my way, lighten my mood or lighten my load.  And thankful for a man from the Bible I’m learning about named Jesus, who is called the light of the world. 

So when I read God’s words, “Let there be light,” I can’t help but think about the kind of lightness I have experienced through my short faith journey so far.  Peace and strength that have calmed and anchored me when I have felt caught up in the hurricane of my problems.  If this is available to me now, someone who’s just getting started, I can’t imagine the amazing things that await me as I grow and learn more.    

It also makes me think about the kind of light I can be to others.  What I need to remember is that I can shine my light on others in simple ways every day.  

Kindness = light, compassion = light, 

and those don’t cost me anything, so why am I not constantly giving them away?  It’s a message I give my children frequently and I should remember to take my own (darn good) advice… “You can shine your light, or cast shadows, the choice is yours.” 

Shine.  I choose to shine.