Guiding Lights

As the days get colder and the darkness of night creeps up through our windows so quickly, the need to stay warm and have a perpetual light is more and more eminent.  We find ourselves reaching for a warm blanket, cozying up by the fireplace, dreaming about the sunny days of summer.  In these winter months we are willing to do everything possible to maintain the comforts of light, when ironically, we ourselves have the potential to be lights. 

Just as the light from a bulb, candle, or fireplace, provides us with clarity, comfort, and at times joy, the light from our hearts has the capability to provide others with the same exact feelings. 

As Christians, we are each called to be the light of the world and to share this light with each and every person we encounter daily.  In John 8:12, Jesus proclaims that He is the “Light of the world” and that all who follow him “will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  Since we are all called to live as Jesus did, we, too, are lights of the world.

Just as a burning flame attracts attention and illuminates all things in a room, being a light of the world causes us to have the same effect.  No matter how dim or bright we are as lights, we will have the ability to expose things that are otherwise being kept in the dark, by doing so we will gain notice from others and our flame will be able to grow brighter. 

Being a light can at times be a challenge.  Sometimes we will feel as though we are strong torches, illuminating the way for crowds of people, while at other times our light may only be enough to guide a single person.  This may seem discouraging, however we must remember that no matter what, God will never let our flame be entirely extinguished, and that as soon as we ask Him to make our light stronger He will.

So no matter how dim you believe your light may be, remember to keep it burning and continue to light the way for others and provide them with the courage, clarity, and compassion they deserve!

 

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:14-16

Oh, Brother

Throughout our travels, we encounter hundreds upon hundreds of people.  Some we simply pass by, others we consider our acquaintances, and there are a select few we truly value as friends. Within this category of friends, however big or small it may be, lies another subcategory labeled siblings. 

            The idea of our sibling being considered a friend may seem like a stretch, especially because, whether they are older or younger, we have most likely all fought with our siblings more than anyone else in our lives.  This fighting however, not supports the argument that a sibling is a friend, but proves it almost entirely.  The reason there is perpetual feuding between siblings is because a sibling is the one person who knows us better than anyone else.  Therefore they are able to see us for us and call us out on things we are doing wrong. This ability, although many times preformed tactlessly, allows a sibling to inadvertently show us how to be better people.

            The bond between brothers and sisters is so unique, that it simply cannot be replicated or replaced by other people.  Because the bond between us and our brothers and sisters is so uniquely strong, we are always able to get over the arguments that we have with each other, grow from them, and learn about ourselves and one another.  A friend, no matter how close, will never be able to have the full and complete disclosure a sibling is inherently able to have with us. 

            It is for this reason that God created us with both siblings and friends. Although there are can be many similarities between the two, a true friend will always like you for who you are, whereas a sibling will always love you.  This means that even though your brother or sister will always love you, they will definitely not always like the person you have become.  Luckily, it is only a brother or sister that will be able to fully explain to you why, and help you to change and evolve into the person both they and God want you to be. 

Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times, but a brother is born for adversity”