“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 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 5:14-16 (ESV)
Jesus compared us to light because we are the only ones who can show the world the way of salvation and demonstrate what God can do in a transformed life. The light of our lives is like a city set on a hill, easily seen—making it impossible to avoid the scrutiny of those around us.
Sometimes, however, I feel like I am holding up a feeble flickering candle in the darkness around me. Is there power in a flickering candle? I am hoping so as I have been purposefully taking advantage of opportunities to send out a light of kindness into the world—because our world needs it so much. Here are a few of the little ways I am letting my light shine:
- Smiling at strangers
- Letting others go ahead of me in line
- Sending cards and letters of encouragement
- Buying Cheddar Penguins Baked Crackers for a penguin lover
- Donating to a charity that cares for teenagers
- Letting a friend pick the restaurant and treating them to lunch
- Cleaning out closets and donating quality items to a ministry caring for women
- Purchasing two of an item and giving the extra one away
- Writing a complimentary comment card for someone who deserves it
- Buying delicious Tate’s Bake Shop Chocolate Chip Cookies to share
- Pulling up weeds and throwing away trash from a neighbor’s yard
- Gifting purple shampoo and conditioner to someone who admired my hair
- Recording important birthdays and anniversaries on 3×5 cards to remember…
- Preparing bountiful Thanksgiving baskets as gifts for my family
- Sending a gift through Amazon to surprise someone
- Adding to a neighbor’s holiday candy bowl
- Offering a cup of cold water or iced tea or soda in Jesus’ name
- Stocking up on greeting cards in anticipation of an unexpected need
- Creating my own bitmoji and texting it to cheer someone’s day
I believe more than ever in the power of little things to light up and enrich the lives of those around me. It is what I can do—and it is what I will do—it is my contribution—to be a kind person.