Shine

When I was growing up, my parents were very active in their Church, from singing in the choir to being on many committees.  My siblings and I attended the kids Sunday school and also went off to camp for a week in summer.  As I grew older, I was involved in my Church as well, and taught Sunday school for the kids, led a womens group and became a praise and worship leader.

The foundation that was built for my life made a very big impact of who I still am today as an adult.  The many things I learned helped me understand not only where my strengths come from but also that I am never alone and will always be ok.  It also became clear to me that it is my responsibility to continue to be a light for others and to shine bright in hopes that I might be the difference someone needs in their life at any moment.

We all need this lesson in our lives, regardless of whether you learned it when you were young or need to hear it even now as an adult.  At any given moment, you have the opportunity to be that bright sunshine that someone needs. You can never really know what is actually happening in someone world behind the scenes.  It is our duty to be the light of the world.

How do you carry yourself?  How do you present yourself?  Do you complain about things?  Do you have humility?  Do you show kindness to others?  Do you smile often?  Do you show genuine joy?  You can ask yourself these and many other questions that will give you a strong indication of whether or not you are truly putting your best shine forward.  

Now, I understand that there may be times that you just don’t feel like shining.  So, what do you do on those cloudy days?  First, take a closer look within your heart and your life to see what is stopping you.  Take a glance at how things are emotionally, spiritually, physically, environmentally and socially.   If you are not able to shine, there is something off balance and you have the power to make it right.   

We all have cloudy days now and then but everything can be altered if something is blocking your light.  I recommend daily affirmations, prayer, wellness checkups, loving where you live and surrounding yourself with positive, unpretentious and caring people. 

I remember singing a certain song as a young girl and teaching it to children as I grew up.  You most likely have heard it as well, it goes like this;

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.  This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.  Let it shine, Let it shine, Let it shine.”

Don’t hide your light, let the whole world see it and you will be the difference someone needs today and everyday.  If we all did this, think about how shiny our world would be.

My affirmation for you this week is;

“I will let my light shine bright, never hide it or let anyone blow it out”