God of Light
Kelly Desclos-Estes (Virginia, USA)
Let the righteous be joyful; let them exult before God; let them be jubilant with joy. - Psalm 68:3 (NRSVUE)
I stared at the calendar, and my heart sank. Years before, on the first day of spring, my son had died unexpectedly. This year the anniversary of his death fell on a Sunday, and although I wanted to stay home, God urged me to go to church. During the children’s time in the worship service, the leader used a flashlight to teach the children about sharing Jesus’ light with others. Memories of my son in Sunday school came flooding back.
As the children left the sanctuary, one little boy skipped toward the door shouting, “This will be amazing!” After a few giggles, the congregation turned their attention back to the pastor; but I kept thinking about the boy. Through the excitement in his voice and spring in his step, the light of Jesus spread into my heart.
It’ s sometimes easy for despair to douse the light of Jesus. I had arrived at church feeling low. However, God helped me realize that sharing the light of Christ with others is a way of honoring my son. On my walk that afternoon, birds sang and flowers bloomed. I collected empty cans in the road to recycle as my son would have done. Shining through dense, gray clouds were streams of sunlight. The little boy was right; this day was amazing!
TODAY'S PRAYER
God of light, we thank you. Continue to illuminate our hearts and brighten our spirits. Help us to serve you better. In your Son Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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TODAY'S READING
Isaiah 58:6-12
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
No matter my grief, the light of Jesus will always surround me.
PRAYER FOCUS
Children in my community
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