Life Through the Lens: A new light globe

This post is the author’s personal opinion.

The bedside light was becoming dim.

The decision was made: it was time for a new globe.

A tag on the lamp’s base described the recommended size.

However, my thought was, “surely a bigger and brighter one would be better – less strain for eyes that are not as young as they used to be”.

Many globes awaited my inspection at the hardware store, all lined up like soldiers on parade.

Which one should I choose?

“Hmm … that one should do the trick – I’ll even be able to read the small print while reading in bed.”

Once home, lamp and globe in hand, a good idea suddenly gave way to reality.

There are such things as big, bigger, and too big.

With total trust in the store’s returns policy, I finally settled for the manufacturer’s recommendation, and with a bit of effort I can read the small print – for now.

Why do we often think we can improve on the designer’s original idea?

The God of the Bible, who is our original designer, said, “You people are (like) light in the world; let your light shine so others may see it and give glory to God, your father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-15).

How do I do that?

Jesus, God’s son, tells us, “I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Surely it would make sense to learn from one who understood and followed the plans of his father.

How did Jesus do it?

He talked to his father in prayer, lived as his father expected, loved people others despised, listened to those who called out for help and showed the lost the way back to living in God’s love.

When his father said he was to die, so all people had a way back to experiencing the father’s love and guidance, he obeyed on the cross.

I trusted the hardware shop’s returns policy, and they took back my mistake and replaced it with the correct globe that worked.

Jesus has a returns policy: recognise and admit to him the mistakes we make when we ignore his leading, thinking we know best.

With his help, willingly accept the replacement way of life and live by his guiding light and love.

Trust God to lead you where he wants your light to shine for him and show his love to another.

Enjoy an exciting time with God.

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