φωτός...

φωτός (photos)- "to be of light"


"We were all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same" -Coach Carter


Life is a gift, the greatest gift in fact. It's this beautiful, once in a lifetime kind of thing. And yet we treat it like such a burden sometimes. The busyness and tiredness of our lives so often keeps us from soaking up and giving all that life has for us!


I get caught up in this far more than I could ever possibly wish to. I like to think that I'm a pretty optimistic, fun-loving guy, but there are too many times when I just kind of coast through the day, getting from wake-up to sleep without LIVING! Why? I want to live a life that matters, to make a difference in the lives of those around me, to be overwhelmed and overwhelming with love. TO SHINE A LIGHT...


When Jesus first spoke to His disciples on the mountaintop, he talked with them about light. "You ARE the light of the world," He told them. Not just at church on Sundays. Not just around your friends. Not just on mission trips. We have a light to shine, everywhere we go.


Light is a funny thing. Everywhere there is a light source, everything around it becomes brighter. Even in pitch black, all it takes a little light and things become visible. As gloomy and unsettling as the dark can be, a simple match can illuminate and bring life where there wasn't. It's like Jesus said, "Instead they put (the light) on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." We ALL have a light to offer those around us! We all have gifts which brighten the lives of everyone we touch!


That's the life I want to live, the life I hope to be living today. So many times I let my busy schedule or my downer days or my tiredness or my selfishness cover up the light that God has given me to shine. Instead of shining joy and love into people, I let my own worries consume me and I become just another truck spinning its tires in the mud of life's day to day busyness. Life is BIGGER than that. Life has more JOY than that. I want to live consumed in light, living out each second of each day like it is on purpose, knowing that every breath is a gift and not worth wasting. I never want to be lacking in love, with my friends, family, strangers I pass on the street.


Does this mean there won't be days when I'm busy, when I'm tired, when I'm upset or distracted? Does this mean there won't be times when the darkness seems to overpower the light? No! There is pain and there is tiredness in our lives. But I want to fight for the joy, hope, peace, life, and love that the light brings each day. I want to fight that the light will always overpower the dark. I want to always remember that in the darkest moments, Jesus' light shines its most brightly!


"In the same way, let you light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:16

forever unfinished...