Let Your Light Shine
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
I am sitting in a Starbucks, which I sometimes do when I am between visits or meetings, and it makes more sense to sit with a coffee than drive back and forth from the church. The Starbucks I often go to has the most remarkable woman working behind the counter. She is in her twenties, short of stature, and long on joy. By my fourth visit, she knew my name, and I was not conspicuous when working on my computer and drinking a Brown Sugar iced and shaken espresso. (I am probably not saying it right. I say, “ A grande brown sugar thing,” and they understand.) I hope I wasn’t creepy, but I would occasionally look up from my work and be amazed by this young dynamo.
Shannon (not her real name) is laughing and teasing co-workers but does so without slowing down her fast work pace. Most strikingly, it appeared she didn’t just know my name, but everyone who walked into the Starbucks. When there was the rare moment when no one was in line, either inside or at the drive-through, she would grab the broom.
In this age when so many people are checking out on life, Shannon radiates joy and light. Working as a barista is physically demanding because you are on your feet all day, and not everyone is pleasant while waiting for their coffee and scone. Yet, I noticed that most people who walk in with a scowl cannot help but be polite and then actually smile when communicating with Shannon. Oddly, it popped into my head, “I hope she is a Christian.” Not because I am worried about her salvation but because she is emulating a Christ-like love. She is expressing joy, and I pray all of us can share a similar joy with those around us. Anyone can be warm and gracious when the circumstances are ideal, but blessedness comes when you can project loving care in the mundane moments of life.
Today, think about how you present yourself to the world. Every moment is an opportunity to affirm someone around you. Do you approach your work with frustration and resentment or as an opportunity to make a difference in God’s name? Don’t wait for the perfect occasion to express your warmth and joy. Pray for God to allow your light to shine in all aspects of your life. In the ordinary moments of life, people will notice something unique about you if you let the divine light shine in and around you.