by Kimberly Knowle-Zeller
In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
The Light streams through our living room windows. I watch beams dance across the walls and make shadows from picture frames and furniture. A small prism reflects on the carpet. The light is surrounding us if we have eyes to see. Walking up and down the hallway, I’ll see a flash of light and stop. I notice and pause and invite the kids to watch with me. “Look, the light is pouring into our house. It’s so beautiful.” I tell them, hoping they, too, will pause and notice.
It’s the same with sunrises and sunsets. Some days, I grab my phone and stand on the front porch, and other days, when I can pull the kids away from the TV, we all go to the porch and watch the colors transform before our eyes. The reds, yellows, pinks, and oranges turn the sky almost fire-like. Tree branches stand at attention before this beautiful show, and as a family, we stand in awe.
These sunrises streaming through our living room window call us to stop and look out and marvel at the beauty right in front of us.
Over and over again, I invite my children to notice the light — the way it dances on leaves and our walls, the streaks of color as the sun sets. We notice the light and in doing so, I pray we’re turning our eyes and hearts to sharing light with others.
When we offer our money to the Women of the ELCA and their various ministries, including Katie’s Fund, we are saying, “Look, I see you. I see your light and the good you’re doing in the world. Keep shining your light.”
When we read a devotion or blog from WELCA and send it to a friend who could use an assuring word, we are saying, “Have some light.”
When we organize meal trains, write cards, and pray with others in our community, we are saying, “The light is here and I am with you too.”
When we host a Thankoffering service and connect with churches across the world, we are saying, “This light is for everyone.”
When we make quilts and bless them, we are saying, “Feel the warmth of light wrapped around you.”
The days are longer; the light is here. God’s love is among us. Keep shining your light, Women of the ELCA.
Let us pray: God, we give thanks for your light — your word, your grace, and your hope. Keep our eyes tuned to sharing your good news. We are loved. In Jesus’ bright light, we pray. Amen.
Kimberly Knowle-Zeller is a writer, pastor, wife, mother of two, and the co-author of The Beauty of Motherhood: Grace-Filled Devotions for the Early Years. She lives with her family in Cole Camp, Mo. Her website is kimberlyknowlezeller.com.