Shine Your Light

Usually by now, I’ve had the family outside freezing their fingers off as they hang lights on the trees in the yard.  But I’ve been slow to find the inspiration this year. 

We’ve been praying with all our hearts for the daddy of one of my little guy’s friends who was diagnosed with cancer this fall. 

Sadly, his battle ended far too quickly last night.  He leaves behind a beautiful wife, a baby girl, and what surely must be a heartbroken little boy. 

I know God has a reason.  But I can’t imagine what it is right now.  And it stinks.  When I think of the little boy, my heart breaks.  My eyes are puffy, my nose is sore, and I can’t stop the tears.  Why didn’t God answer our prayers the way we all wanted?

I dreaded telling my son this morning. 

But I shouldn’t have.  Leave it to a child to lead the way through the sadness.

He simply thought about it for a moment, and said, “So now he knows what Heaven is like.” 

His words were exactly what I needed to hear.  They represent the very confidence God wanted to give us when He sent His son to be born in a manger.  Jesus didn’t promise to heal every hurt.  Rather, when all was said and done, He promised to go and prepare a place for us.

The wonder in my little guy’s words come straight from the light in his heart. 

And so this morning, after I put him on the bus, I found my inspiration to decorate.  

However, instead of decorating the trees, I’m going to put the bright colorful lights in every window of the house.  I want to remind myself that the light we have inside because of Jesus, should always shine out brightly.  So that those who’s flames are flickering, as well as those passing though dark shadows, can be encouraged.

Thanks, kiddo, for letting His light shine through you.

I hope you’ll join me in prayer for this family.  And let your light shine out this season as a reminder of God’s promise to all!