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.

A Dog's Wisdom

James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Let's make common sense more common.

When our dog, Rosie May, was a puppy, we took her for training. She learned to sit, lay down, stay off (well, kind of) and shake. She still doesn't get the concept of stay, but at least she sits when she needs to. The good thing about dogs is they have great instincts. She knows when I don't feel well, and she wants to comfort me. Rosie May loves kids and wants to friend them. She senses when someone is outside and goes to the windows to see if she needs to protect us. Dogs listen to their gut. They hear things we don't and respond accordingly. In their own way, dogs have an internal wisdom.

When I think of wisdom, I also consider common sense. The innate instinct to do the right thing. I love how James shares his understanding of wisdom. Wisdom comes from God and loves peace. It's considerate (thinks of others) submissive to God's guidance, merciful, filled with the fruit of the Spirit, fair and discerning, and sincere and truthful. If there is any doubt as to whether something is a wise choice, measure the wisdom against James 3:17. The wisdom of a believer comes from the Holy Spirit. When I make decisions, I want to check my judgement against the wisdom that comes from God.

While Rosie May has instincts, I have the Holy Spirit to guide me in decisions. His voice speaks to my heart to be a peace-loving person who is kind to others, submissive to God, and considerate of situations.

Seek God's wisdom and use His common sense as you navigate life.