Saturday, January 25, 2014

A reminder from candles

I am very sensitive to the lighting, spacing, and organization of a place. That is one reason why I get a little stressed out at work during play time when the room is turned upside down with toys strewn all over the floor, markers lying open on the ground, and kids making train sounds and playing house all at the same time. At these times, I have to kind of squint my eyes so all I see is blurred colors, take some deep breaths and find my inner calm.

It works the other way too though. When I am at home by myself all I need is quiet, a semi-cleaned apartment, and a few lit to create an emotional retreat.

Candles have another effect too--they take the ordinary and make it special. In a way, that is kind of what God does with our lives too when we let him. We are transformed from boring, cold jars of static wax into warm, darting beacons of light. We have life, and we are dynamic. We are able to be changed--to be poured out and take a new shape that He has prepared for us. Furthermore, his light is bright;  the flickering light of one single candle transforms a room and softens hearts. 

"You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; 
my God turns my darkness into light." Psalm 18:28

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14


2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love these thoughts, Portia. I will think of them the next time I see lit candles. Beautiful.

Mom

Carol said...

Such a thoughtful post! You're very inspiring