Tuesday, October 29, 2013

This Little Light of Mine


Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good
works and glorify your Father, which is in Heaven.  Matthew 5:16.

I came across that scripture this morning, and it made me stop and think about my light.  Does it shine bright enough for others to see it, or is it hidden so deeply within me that no one knows it's there ... like the "flame" hidden deep within the petals of a flower. 


Do people have to use a "zoom lens" to see my light, like I had to use to capture the center of the Iris in the picture below?


I would like to think they don't have to "zoom in" to see my light.  I would like to think that everyone I come into contact with can easily see the light of Christ in my life by my actions, but I'm afraid that there are times when my actions may cause my light to dim, or waver.  

I've always loved the children's hymn, "This Little Light of Mine," and find its words inspiring and uplifting. I'm going to share them here as a reminder to myself to try to live my life every day in a way that will keep my light shining brightly. It's a lot easier and much more pleasant to smile at a stranger in the grocery store than to frown and glare at them for leaving their cart blocking the aisle. And it never fails to make me feel better to let someone in a line of traffic, than to try to block them from cutting in. I'm ashamed to say that I have been guilty of both of those things at one time or another ... and I'm sure my light went completely out at those times, which makes me sad to think about.

But today is a new day ... and a new beginning ... and, with God's help, I'm going to try to be a better person and not "hide my light under a bushel."  I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

This Little Light Of Mine
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Won't let Satan blow it out.
I'm gonna let it shine.
Won't let Satan blow it out.
I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Let it shine til Jesus comes.
I'm gonna let it shine.
Let it shine til Jesus comes.
I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. 

Hide it under a bushel - NO! 
I'm gonna let it shine. 
Hide it under a bushel - NO! 
I'm gonna let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. 

Let it shine over the whole wide world, 
I'm gonna let it shine.
Let it shine over the whole wide world.
I'm gonna let it shine.
I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

6 comments:

Stacey said...

Just the fact that you think about this means that your light shines brightly. I'd be willing to bet that you let someone in line much more often than not. :)

RachelD said...

Awwww, Sweetpea! This is just the dearest, sweetest sermon I can think of. Every word rings true, and is perfectly needed for every thought.

I've always loved your zoom-lens way of getting to the heart of things, and sometimes you have to bend low to look. I've never seen you hesitate from an on-your-knees approach, when the occasion demanded.

Just perfect for me today, like you flipped on a switch.

love and,

r

And you're quite a bright beam, yourself.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Believe me, Janie, your light shines brightly! xoxoxox

Churaipon Chintakanont Klaijumlang said...


You shine beautifully my dear friend, right over and across the ocean. Your heart for God with the lovely thoughts you have shared, right along with the splendid photos you have taken, have been brightly shone and most appreciated.

You are a precious 'The Little Light of Mine' for our Father.


Pat said...

Janie,

What sweet words of inspiration. Yes, how true it is that it is sometimes easy for our lights to dim a little and it is encouraging reminders such as your's today that hopefully get us back on track.

Thank you for being one of God's angels today and sending these words of inspiration.

Such beautiful pictures and who would think that light would be way down inside of that flower ... amazing!

Pat in Tallahassee

Jenni said...

You are a Precious, Wonderful Lady, dear Janie!! And it shines through your blog and the sweet comments you leave for others...

And you uplift so many by sharing your gift of capturing with your lens Beautiful and interesting things in this world that God Created....

Hugs from Texas,
Jenni