Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Son Shine


A few months ago I was returning to the office after being out for a few days.  I’m sure many of you know that feeling of dread you get when you’ve been out, knowing there is double the work waiting for you.  Well, as I walked in one of my employees immediately greeted me with, “Good morning, we sure miss you when you are not here”.  I replied with a simple “thanks” and continued to my desk.  After a few minutes of putting away my purse and docking the laptop, another employee dropped by my desk with a big smile on her face.  She quickly said, “You know, when you are gone, things are not the same.”  I’m sure my brow raised when I replied with, “what do you mean?”  Of course I was thinking the worst.  That while I was out, no one got anything done and they all goofed off.  She quickly put me at ease by saying, “No, not like that.”  Slowly and thoughtfully she then continued, “its like..... when you aren’t here.... I don’t know.  But I do know when you walked in this morning, it was like the sunshine coming in.”  This really caught me off guard, I don’t even remember how I responded.  It did make me feel good that I was sunshine to someone.


Now when I think about that day, it has a complete knew meaning to me.  It has challenged me in a way that I’m sure my employee doesn’t even know.  I like to think that it was not me that was the sunshine, but that it was the “Son Shine” that lights my path.  John 8:12 says, Then Jesus again spoke to them saying, “I am the light of the world; he who follow Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life.”  


I work in a place with people that know who God is, but they don’t “know” Him.  They walk in “darkness” so when they see “light” they can not help but be drawn to the warmth and brightness.  Some may fight it, others may turn away, but no one can deny the existence or the presence of the “Son Shine”.


What a huge responsibility we have when we, as Christians, work outside the home or church.  When we shop in the markets or malls.  When we visit our relatives or hospitals.  We may be the only “Son Shine” they see for days or weeks.  I’m reminded of a song I sang to my boys when they were young.  Of course, I’ve taken the liberty to change the wording just a bit.  


You are my “Son” shine, my only “Son” shine.

You make me happy when skies are grey.

You’ll never know dear, how much I love you.

Please don’t take my “Son” shine away.


Does the “Son” shine upon you where walk?  Does He light your path?  Do others miss the brightness when you are away?  


Father, thank you for sending Your Son to shine upon this world of darkness.  Thank you for the hope we have in Jesus Christ to live with you forever.  Thank you for choosing to love us and giving us the Light for our path.  Help us God, to live holy and righteous before you and man,  so that others that are in darkness will be overcome by the “Son shine” of Christ.  Help us to understand our responsibility as Christians to let that Light shine brightly and not cover it up in any way.  May we walk in boldness, strength and love.  May we help bring the “Son shine” to those in need.  Forever we stand with You, Holy Father.  Amen


Monday, December 8, 2008

Charlie Bit Me

I came across this video again and still think it is funny.  Watching these two boys laugh really makes me laugh out loud.  I began to think about how often we will sometimes do something that we know will inflict pain, just because we are getting approval from those around us.  We continue down that road again and again until we can no longer stand it.  Then even after we remove ourselves and blame others, we are still left with the pain. 

I watched many young people grieve over the last week for the loss of a friend that they partied with.  They loved him, and wanted to be his friend.  As I observed them, I couldn't help but wonder how many were making choices to follow a path that is causing them pain, just to get that approval.  Sure it's fun when it starts, but after you are there for a while, your finger is stuck and the pain can become unbearable.  

Father, help us to see the danger before we are in over our heads.  Help us to be careful in finding joy in the wrong things and to live upright before you.