I often wonder about the span of my day, and I hope I’m becoming the person I should be, a person who lets her light shine for Jesus. I know me, and I know how much I get wrong. Years ago, I used to say that love and fear were the two driving pieces in my life. Now that I’ve lived long enough, the pain is there too. And pain can drive your life. Disappointment will sneak in too.
You want to change when you feel pain or the ugly of the day. I hope you don’t run to drugs or substances to cover up our situation.
I hope you rise and challenge pain and disappointment with God’s promises by adding kindness to our walk and focusing on God’s comfort during the crisis.
As for others we meet who are suffering, we can care for, listen to, or hold them. By reaching out to the trou-bled and turmoiled, you can help them know they are not alone. In turn, you, too, will see that you are not alone.
So no matter my age or yours, I must ask, are we running? Do we run so fast to cover up the reality of our life? Has love and trust been broken in your world? Or do you hope to find answers in another town or place, activity, or with another person? Do you think you add distractions to keep on going?
We’re all born new, but life can wear you down. And unfortunately, self-doubt and wondering and trying to analyze the journey is like taking gymnastics, but inside our minds, with flips and tosses and tumbles and way too many questions. And it can become so painful.
When our mind travels to what ifs and whys, we waste time, and then one day, we find ourselves lost in years of missing out on living. I’ve asked why too many times. I’ve played the what-if card, hoping to shuffle the deck and get new cards.
I’ve dealt with spiral patterns of ups and downs, with endless searching, chasing the allusive answers.
But every day is an opportunity to change from within and find purpose. I pray that I care, love, and show kindness. I know that living is difficult. But it’s also wonderful.
And a life built on trusting God brings me to a place where I’m thankful, living with a mindset to lean in and hear God speak to my heart.
A bright sunrise will contradict the worry and weight of yesterday. The birds will make their joyful sound. And yet I wonder how the earth still moves and how I can keep moving when others suffer so much. When I, too, suffer.
Yet, the fireflies at sunset give off light despite their size. I may feel small, unable to conquer my doubt, but like a firefly in a massive dark forest, I have Jesus. And I can bring light to my path and those I encounter.
At my age, I’ve wondered if I’ve met the task at hand, knowing I’m closer to the end than the beginning. (At least in this physical life.)
I have one final thought; I hope to be a better reflection of Jesus today and do better than I did yesterday. And then tomorrow, if I get the chance, I pray that I do better that day too.
Come on, let’s persevere, my friends, and fly. A small lig ht dispels darkness. And if we all take part, look how hopeful and bright this world will become! We’re a firefly, so let’s light the way.
Shine for Jesus!
