Longing For the Light

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. The person who follows me will never live in darkness but will have the light that gives life.” John 8:12

“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray. You’ll never know, dear, how much I love you. Please don’t take my sunshine away.” You sang those words, didn’t you? I have sung this song’s chorus with little children and the elderly. At retreats and in the memory care unit. It always brings a smile and sunshine to the heart. Sunshine brings hope and light and joy into life. We tend to feel better when the sun is shining.

The winter had many gloomy days without a hint of sun. Some days the sun peaked through the clouds for a brief moment, and then the dreariness of the day covered the sun. The sunlight is now staying longer in the days that lead to Spring. Daylight Savings Time is upon us, and we are enjoying the light lingering longer in the evenings. Sunshine brings renewed energy and brightness not just to the day but to our attitude and soul. We tend to be more active when the sun is shining, and our mood reflects the light. I enjoy the beauty of the sunrise and the sunset as God creates a masterpiece each time just for you and me. It is amazing.

I have been sorting through my memorabilia totes that contain awards, letters, pictures, and lots of papers from my past. I have letters from my mom and Grandma, and cards from people in various churches I served. I found letters of recommendation for scholarships from teachers and pastors. I found evaluations from professors. One letter listed gifts he saw in me, and he stated – “Your spirit of joy is the best gift you brought to our group. You have a smile and a particular gleam in your eyes that helps others to feel good and to mirror that sparkle.” Then I found a little card that had my name on it and what Elaine means – “Bright, Shining Light.”

I share this statement not to focus on myself, but I share it to reflect on the words of light my teacher saw in me so many years ago. My parents gave me the name “Elaine” that means “light.” We seek light and brightness in life. Light sparkles when it reflects off something shiny. In the Gospel of John, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12) In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14) Jesus wants us to reflect His light to others. Jesus’ light through us will reflect the glory of God and bring others to the light of Jesus.

Light is preferred, but life also brings darkness. The darkness of loss, grief, change, trauma, struggles, and challenges. Sometimes it is difficult to see the light of Jesus in this darkness. At times, the darkness seems to overpower the light, and we see no light at the end of the long dark tunnel. Darkness is just dark. Light begins to peak through the darkness of our souls when someone steps in our darkness with the light of Jesus. We do not immediately receive the light, but we see the glimmer of the light and begin to long for light and hope and a relief from the dark nights of our soul.

Who has been light in your darkness? Who has walked into your despair and lit the candle of hope? You saw the flicker but were not ready to receive the light. You knew it was there, and your friend was reflecting the hope of Jesus into your darkness. We all need someone to be the light to guide us out of the darkness and give us moments of hope. It may take time to change your darkness into light but allow the light to penetrate and revive your soul. Acknowledge the flicker of light in moments of your life and soon those moments come together, and light begins to fill your heart and soul. The situation may not change, but you begin to accept the joy in the middle of the struggle.

Light can overcome the darkness of despair. Long for the light and do not succumb to the darkness of despair. Life may not be what you had hoped or planned, but it is still a gift from God. Go live the life you have now. Allow the smile and joy of others to give you hope not irritation. Many people still smile in the pain. It is a choice to let the light into your struggles and heartache. The light brings moments of refreshment.

When you have received this light in the depth of your darkness and been able to walk into the light of Jesus’ presence, you will want to help others who come behind you to find this light and hope in life. When we give light and hope to others it fills our souls with the light of Jesus and renews us.

Keep longing for the light. Be the light to others. You are my sunshine!

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