It always surprises me just how much light one little candle gives off. It might not let me read the newspaper’s fine print, but every corner of the room is visible because of it.
Maybe that’s why I find John 8:12 so significant: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” In whatever dark place I find myself, as long as I’m with the Son of God, his one single life will provide all the illumination I need.
Then I read in Matthew 5:14-16 that I am also the light of the world*, and the implication terrifies me. I can’t do it, Lord! I may be the wife of a gifted pastor, but I’m just an ordinary woman. I can’t make that kind of difference.
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| Photo by Carol Garvin |
In the brightness of a sunny day I discover the answer in my garden. I’m not responsible for providing light, but only for putting myself in the right place to be lit by God – to accept his light as it falls on me. My job is to be translucent so that his light is visible to others through me.
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| Photo by Carol Garvin |
Thank you, God, for the wonder of your light!
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* “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
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Carol J. Garvin is the wife of a retired Presbyterian pastor, mother of four and grandmother to several more. Her life has been a wonderful mixture of school teaching, church and family activities, owning a professional dog show business, and freelance writing. She and her husband live in a rural suburb of Vancouver, Canada.
Blog: http://careann.wordpress.com/
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/mBj1F7
Twitter: @caroljgarvin
The Pastor's Wife Speaks is a safe place for women living on the front lines of ministry to share and support each other. But you don't have to be married to a pastor to hang out here. Regardless of how you're connected to ministry, you are welcome. Enjoy and be blessed!
When I began speaking to women's groups, I used the aegis of Reflected Light Ministries because the only light we have is what we can reflect of Him.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, translucence and reflection. There has to be an allegory in there some where. Thanks for the tangent.
I so love how you metaphorical mind works!
ReplyDeleteI'm not responsible for providing light. I just need to stay in His light, be open and translucent for Him to shine through me. Some days I may be just a candle for someone. On other days maybe a big floodlight for many. His choice.
This site found a light in you!
Why didn't I know about this blog before? I'm so happy to find this one too Carol!
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings
Thanks, Carol, for this great word of encouragement at just the time I needed it:)
ReplyDeleteYour photos are stunning, as usual. But there's a wonderful light in them that shines so bright I often have to squint. I think that's because if I squint I eventually see more than just the beauty. Can't explain properly. I'll work on that.
ReplyDelete"I’m not responsible for providing light, but only for putting myself in the right place to be lit by God – to accept his light as it falls on me. "--I think this is such an important thing for all of us to understand. Enjoyed the post, Carol!
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice to have you all visiting here! Thanks for coming and for your comments.
ReplyDeleteJudith, I've used the mirror analogy before, too, and it's a good one. Reflection and translucence are altogether different and yet they are both means of conveying light. What I see as the difference is that in reflecting light, we don't need to take it in.
Sandra, sometimes this mind of mine is positively warped, but I'm glad you find the various images of light meaningful.
Katt, welcome! I originally found my way here via Jeanette Levellie, and I'm happy to share my discovery.
Brooke, I hope His light helps brighten whatever corner you're in these days. We all need encouragement sometimes.
Joylene, I know about that squinting technique. I do it when I look at a Christmas tree, and again when I'm prepping a canvas for a landscape. For me, it has something to do with eliminating all the distractions and letting me focus on just the important things, like the spacing of tree lights or the composition and balance of a painting.
Laura, thank you for "getting it" so well. :)