Reflecting Light: Cultivating Hope Through Service
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
I have grown to respect the importance of light as I grow older. I am aware of the shortening days and the waning light as fall morphs into winter. I turn on lamps by five o’clock so that I can navigate the encroaching evening shadows. I wait in hope for spring and the joy of more light. But what connection do I make between light and hope?
For me, hope is light that pushes out darkness and negativity. Hope is the solid foundation of my existence: it gives me encouragement to keep pushing forward, to be mentally positive, to be patient, to be compassionate with others, and to remember from where my blessings come.
If God is light and I am created in his image, then I cannot help but to reflect his light. If I am plugged into God, the Power Station, I have to reflect his light. It is part of me! Sometimes I can feel my spiritual light waning like the fall light, or like a battery that is running low. Despair, loneliness, disappointment, and life’s toll wear on me. The darkness can feel inescapable. In those times I have to check to see if I am unplugged from God:
Am I feeding on God’s word to quench my spiritual hunger?
Am I shoving down my feelings because they are uncomfortable, or I have judged them to be un-Christian to express?
Have I isolated myself from others who could be a positive support, or have I surrounded myself with negative people?
Am I exhausted but ashamed (or too prideful) to admit I need to take care of myself?
If I am plugged in, my reflected light and hope can help the person who is not plugged in. I may be able to offer a supportive scripture or words. I may listen for a while as a friend talks about their feelings and share my own feelings. If I am unable to do these things, I might invite someone for coffee or for a walk to break their isolation. Even a smile can be an affirmation of hope without saying a word.
Being God’s reflected light by serving others not only helps them, but it also recharges my spiritual battery. It is a great feeling to know that in this season of joy and waiting, I am plugged into the source of all light and hope, and I can reflect that light and hope onto others!
Jeannette Aycock