Sunday Thoughts: Growing Light

Oh goodness, we really look forward to the Sabbath day. Attending church fuels our spirits, and I'm grateful for the moments woven in throughout the day that remind us of Christ. With the weather this time of year, we're able to spend time together as a family outdoors, and that feels like such a gift to enjoy together as a family. It doesn't mean that everything goes smoothly - we actually (for the first time I ever remember) forgot to set our alarm clocks for day light savings, but thankfully still woke up early enough that we were able to make it out the door. Our youngest seems to go through more clothing changes on Sunday morning than any other day - I've had her pick out her outfit the night before, but it seems to just add more "options" the morning of. It's always a juggle with everyone and different opinions, and sometimes I wonder if we'll ever actually make it into the car, but we never regret it. Once, after I saw this particular image representing Christ - those penetrating eyes of light, complimented by the warmth and kindness of his smile - I visualize this is exactly how he feels as we are imperfectly striving to follow His example. We don't get it all right, but we were never meant to either. I can't help but reframe my mindset from whatever I might be stressing over and just feel His light every time I think about this image.

Today, we chatted after church about light - what it feels like to share light, what it feels like when we see light in others, and what it feels like when we grow light in ourselves. We're often surprised at how much these kiddos ponder things far beyond the "every day" stuff and feel like we're typically the one learning more than the one teaching.

In our chats, the scripture that kept coming to mind was "let your light shine." Shine is part of our family motto, and it's a scripture we refer to often. Today, the word "let" kept coming up as the central focus of our conversation. 

That sometimes "letting" ourselves be the light, or receive light, or share light can be the toughest part. Sometimes fear wants to take over - fear of doing the wrong thing, judgment from others, or other fears. Sometimes we hold back because we feel like we don't need to "let" light in and that we can keep doing things on our own. We chatted how visualizing our light within us and sharing that light with others can help us overcome things that might otherwise feel fearful.

As I've pondered this today, it seems that to "let" light in, it takes acts of humility, kindness, love and connection and all kinds of other attributes that center on Christ. 

But gosh, that can be tough. It can be so much easier to sit in the space of pride, anger, resentment or thinking that we need to control someone else, or someone else needs to change before we can let light in.

I can think of many times - big and small - where I've swung on the pendulum of both ends.

But that little word - "let" - so divinely inspired. So much to grow and learn from within that one word.

I'm going to focus on that word - "let" our light shine. No matter how small or simple. 

We wanted to remember some questions Alexis brought with her to FHE along with a little talk/experience she wrote:

*How do you feel light in your life?

*What is an experience when you felt your light grow?

*What are some things you can do to grow more light in your life?

So much wisdom, so much light. Grateful to have a front row seat to watch this growth unfold.