Weekly Meditations

"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. "

Matthew 5:16 (NRS)

Feb 10th 2014

Take Your Decision

Choice is a powerful thing.  The freedom and the ability to make our own decisions about our lives and our destiny is perhaps the greatest gift that God, the Creator of the Universe, gives to us, outside the gift of salvation.

In this Scripture, Jesus asks us to “let our light shine . . .”  I think that little word “let” is the most important word in this whole Scripture.  See, “to let” is “to allow”  . . .  and to allow implies permission, which means that we have a choice in the matter.

We can choose to hide our light.  To live single and solitary lives, focused solely on ourselves, hoarding our light and keeping our gifts, our talents, and our treasures under wraps and known to ourselves alone.

Or we can choose to shine as brightly as a 1000 watt bulb.  Lighting our own way, giving light to those around us, and sharing a small piece of God’s love, His grace and His joy with those who cross our path.

For many years, until his death, Wilfredo Angulo, was my church’s and my family’s “official” painter. When you booked him for a paint job, he’d bring the color wheel and lay it before you with a great flourish, and as you pondered the hundreds of choices, he’d say: “Take Your Decision.”

So what’s it gonna be today?  Will you be a nightlight or floodlight?   Will you choose the way of the nightlight?  Just enough light for you and you alone to see the way?  Just getting yourself through the day, oblivious to those around you.  Or will you be a floodlight?  Shining brightly and vibrantly so that everyone around you is encouraged and lifted just by your presence.  Being and bringing joy and peace and laughter to everyone you meet.

Take Your Decision.