As children most of us learned and sang the song “This Little Light of Mine”; but have you ever stopped to think about the deeper meaning of this song? On face value, we can conclude that the light that we’re professing to shine is Christ’s light in us, and that’s true; but I was recently challenged to dig deeper to embrace an even deeper meaning for us as adults. Matthew Kelly in his book “Resisting Happiness” has a chapter entitled “Let Your Light Shine”. He points out the fact that we were created to let our light shine, and he equates our light to the gift or gifts God packages in each of us. We all have gifts but we all don’t have the same gifts. God created each of us unique and special in our own way so that we will need each other. No one person is gifted or talented in everything. How brilliant of God to individualize us in such a way that no one person is any better or less than any other person. My friends and clients know that I have a gift of listening to people in pain and encouraging them. They are drawn to me, especially in times of trouble because of the gift. I am honored to share my gift with them, but they also know that if they need help with anything that has to do with technology, I am NOT the one. I will be the first to say I am technologically challenged. In fact, I will frequently describe myself as a dinosaur when I’m reaching out for help from others who are apparently gifted with the technological aptitude gift. I am grateful to them, along with all the other people God places in my life whose gifts help me in doing what I do. My light would not be able to shine optimally without their light adding to my light. Together, fueled by each other’s light, we can do great things and ‘glorify our Father’. John 8:54
In the chapter “Let Your Light Shine” Kelly makes what I feel is an astute observation of fact. He points out that the reason many of us aren’t letting our light shine is because we’re too busy comparing our gift with someone else. He states “comparisons are worthless in a world of individuals. You are the perfect mix of talents and abilities to fulfill the mission that God has in mind for you. There is no point worrying about what talents and abilities other people have. If you don’t have them, you don’t need them for your mission so get on out there and do good works. Let your light shine!” Matthew, I second that motion.
Now close your eyes and with humble gratitude and conviction sing:
“This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine.”
Peace and Blessings,
Gail