lystn

Psalm 118:27a NLT

'The LORD is God, shining upon us.' God has given us light, so that no matter where we find ourselves, we have an ability to find our way both to God and through life. Light is the agent that makes things visible and stimulates sight. If we have eyes that see, wonderful things will come into sight. So I ask myself each day, what do I see?

On a recent weekend, our neighbour’s dogs were barking non-stop. We have had to renew our fence, for the dogs were breaking through and I was anxious for the safety of our own Chihuahua, Dylan, who always thinks he’s a Rottweiler so takes on all-comers. I was gardening and chilling, but the noise got under my skin and I found myself ranting at dogs, noise and neighbours, and not just once. This had not been my finest hour.

So I talked with God about it. I was ashamed and humbled by my behaviour. I emerged from this reflection recognising that my angst was in part justified for fear of these dogs getting loose and hurting Dylan. However, I was also trying to manage my neighbours’ dogs and getting increasingly frustrated that the situation wasn’t calming or changing. Yet, neither was I! So with fresh eyes I recognised I had opportunity to train Dylan not to react when the fence was banged by barking canines, and also acknowledge I had no authority over what took place next door. Jayne trained Dylan brilliantly, and in a week he was disinterested in our noisy neighbours. I mentally chose to manage my mouth every time I entered the garden. This is how light works, enabling me to serve God more effectively as a disciple and a witness.

QUESTION: Where does the light of Christ need to shine more brightly in your life?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, teach me to see each day and each person I meet through your eyes.