She Shined Her Light

John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Some people shine like the sun. Some animals do too.

I had a busy day. Sara’s first graders clamored around me when I arrived to help with the class’s reading and writing, which brings me great joy. I love those kiddos.

After school, I jumped in the Jeep and drove from Bethel to Batavia, where I live, to watch Eli, my grandson, play tennis. We had beautiful weather, and I loved watching him play.

After Eli finished, he and I drove to my condo and picked up Rosie May, our Golden Retriever. Then we drove twenty minutes back to Bethel where I dropped him off at Skyline, where his younger sister, Ella Cate, and her softball team participated in a fundraiser.

Ella Cate met me at the car, and she lit up when she saw Rosie. The other girls from the softball team gathered around and oohed and aahed at our Golden Retriever. She brought joy to the girls. Once the girls finished petting Rosie, my other grandson, Zeke, hopped into the car with her. She got lots of pets and shined her light of love on the kids by simply being herself.

My word for the year is light, and I can learn from Rosie May to shine my light and bring encouragement to the folks around me by being the person God made me to be. The light I shine comes from following Jesus, who is the glorious light of the world.

As I follow him, I know I’m surrounded by his light. Even in the worst circumstances, I have faith in Jesus’ light, which outshines sin and death.

Follow Jesus and light up your life.