Some Random Thoughts on Light

            Have you seen these little solar powered flowers? A panel in the flower pot absorbs light and enables the daisy to flap petals and dance side to side.  One on my desk at work sways and bounces all day.

            When I come in each morning my flower is still. How fun it would be to think that my little plastic flower missed me and sprang to life when I arrived. The truth is the flower is simply waiting for me to snap on my desk light. No light, no dance.

My father was a professional grower, and light was extremely important to him as he grew flowers. He covered flowers at night and used artificial light to produce chrysanthemums. Educated guesswork during the gray days of winter forced rose production to line up for Valentine’s Day. So much depended on light for success in his business.

                So much depends on light for spiritual success, too. How desperately we need the light of God’s presence in our lives. Sadly, I forget that all too often. The other day I bowed to thank God for my lunch. As admirable or disciplined as that may seem, I’m ashamed to say how rushed and trite were my words. Then I remembered who I was talking to and how rude I was being. My words slowed, my thoughts turned outward and the light of God’s presence changed the moment. His light illuminated my darkness, chased it away, and transformed the situation.

                The light of God’s presence scatters all kinds of darkness.  When I look around at the economy, national news, and world events, I could easily run off to search for the nearest herd of ostriches. Yet God’s light reminds me that he is in control. I am a victor in spite of how I feel, what I have, or how little influence I possess. And I am never alone.

                One of the first things I do when I get up in the morning is to shove aside the curtains and open the blinds. I want to see the morning light. There is a place for benevolent darkness, but light is vital for us on so many levels. Light walks hand in hand with faith, doesn’t it? The light of truth shines into our lives, and wisdom says, “Grab it, and hang on!”  That is what our faith clings to in times of both the benevolent and evil darkness.

                Sunlight is therapeutic—it interacts with our skin to create Vitamin D. The light of God’s presence and his truth combine in our lives to strengthen our faith.  And here we are again, back to the whole journey of a Christian—the walk of faith.  So let us “walk in the light, as he is in the light.” (I John 1:7, NIV) Would you come along and walk with me?