Shine Your Light
by Kaytie Graham
At a very young age I decided that I wanted to be three different things when I grew up: a mom, a teacher, and a ballerina. In my childlike way, I took each of these goals very seriously. I knew I had to learn a lot, so I spent time in the kitchen with my mom mixing up “cakes” just like she did, carried baby dolls around with me everywhere I went, and even brought them to meals in order to be sure they had full tummies. One Christmas all I asked Santa to bring me was an overhead projector like those at school. I was delighted to find it under the Christmas tree, so I immediately set up shop in the game room of our house and taught my stuffed animals. When I was old enough, I began taking ballet classes once a week, and would regularly attempt to convince my parents that tutus and leotards made great pajamas, and even better school clothes! Each role was appealing to me for the same reason. It wasn’t the responsibility or burden that came with each, as I was too young to understand such things. I made my choices because three influential people invested their time and love in me, and I wanted to be like them. The first, of course, was my mom. She always expressed her love to me, kissed my “boo-boos” when I fell off my bike, and prayed with me each night at bedtime. The second was my first grade teacher who taught me new things, took me out to recess, and helped me with class work that seemed hard. The third was my cousin, a ballerina, who took me to movies, babysat me when my parents went out, and let me stay up well past my bedtime. I now smile when I think of the impact and influence that these three women had on my childhood years. I am reminded that as Christians we are role models for others as well as the lost and broken. If we demonstrate a lifestyle that makes others yearn to know why we are different, we are fulfilling Jesus’ instructions to us. We are commanded to expand our horizons and reach others, including those quite different from ourselves. I know I am comfortable in my bubble of Christian friends, and struggle to interact with others as I should. However, the Bible tells us in Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” If we follow this command, and seek to know and love the lost and broken, then the light that shines through our lives will bring illumination to others as well. Our challenge is to shine his light brightly and share it willingly with people who need a light in their lives. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). There is no gift greater than his gift of salvation, and I pray daily that his light will shine brightly through me so I can share his gift and pour into others just as I was poured into. |
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