Let Your Light Shine

Have you ever been in a movie theater and someone opened a door or turned on their cell phone? That room is pitch black, but that little light somehow pierces the dark and makes its way to your eyes.  Sometimes the clouds disappear and the moon shines so brightly that I wake up thinking dawn has come.  You can try to hide light, but it always shines through darkness. Sometimes it's just a tiny glimmer, but it's there nonetheless.

It's the same way with the light inside of you.  No matter how dark it is, your light is there. You can't turn it off if you want to. It's your gift. It might be your smile or your laugh. It could be your personality or your patience. Or maybe it's your willingness to help others. Whatever it is, it is God's gift to you.  The funny thing is, your light will annoy some people - just like a cell phone in a dark movie theater, and you may be tempted to try to dim your light.  

Ever had someone dislike you because of your smile, your cheerfulness, your positive attitude, or your thoughtful ways? Don't take it personally. It's not really you they dislike, it's your light.  You see misery (or darkness) loves company (more darkness).  Darkness tries very hard to dampen any light it comes in contact with. But if you pay close attention, you will notice that light always prevails over darkness. If there is any light around, it will always shine through. 

I remember waking in the middle of the night not long ago and asking my husband why it was so light.  It turns out my neighbors had left on a small light on their back porch. It's funny how that small light wreaked havoc on my sleepy, dreamy darkness.  So it is with the light inside of you.  Let it shine and I guarantee that someone will see it. Oh, I know some people want you to turn your light off because it bothers them. They'd rather sit in darkness.  But you really don't have a choice in the matter. Your gift of light was given to you so you could let it shine.