You are the light of the World....let your light shine before men."
~Matthew 5:14, 16
We're heading down deep in the darkness, towards the darkest, longest night of the year, and to so many it feels like we've already had it.
I'm reminded that Advent is not Christmastime, no, that comes after. Advent is the darkness that comes before the light. It feels especially true this year.
Last week, when the world turned upside down and we all turned toward our children helplessly, certain the madness had reached a fever pitch, it was all too easy to be distracted by the arguments. Fights about gun control, mental illness and public schools splashed across the internet. Fear and loathing abounded. Some turned away from God in disgust; others turned back toward Him.
I'm in church on Sunday with my 5 little ducks in a row my eyes squeezed shut, and I ask Him outright: Where do we go from here? What is my job in all of this darkness?
It comes to me like a lightning bolt. Mamas, we are to be the light.
See, He is the light, come to us in our darkened world. He is the Prince of Peace. When He left this earth, He left tongues of flame behind - little Christs. Us - in His image, reflection His light. We are the ones - the ones who are meant to be light when the world turns dark.
We lose sight of it, in our daily worlds, but it's true - our one true vocation is to be the light. You and I, we are never "just Moms." We are Christ's light bearers, carrying on His work on earth, to hand it off to those around us. We could set the world on fire - it's what we are made for. If we weren't so distracted by the things that don't matter, we could make a huge difference. Whether you have one child or many, or maybe none at all, every interaction with a child is an opportunity to share the light.
We share it when we teach them charity, love, compassion - by offering these things to them. When we arm them with the full Armor of God - Peace, truth, righteousness and faith. When we make the state of their souls our highest priority - before academics or extra curriculars. It is simply too easy to be complacent - to miss these opportunities. Then tragedy strikes and we wonder how it could be so. We need to make an intentional decision each day to be light, to share light, to shed the light. It's our job.
Father God, comfort all who mourn in darkness today. Welcome all little children into your arms. Remember all those who are troubled and broken, and help us to be your light to all people.
{It's Mindful Mothering Mondays, a day to take a deep breath and write out your mothering journey, whatever form it takes. A day to link up for encouragement from others who are in this same phase of life. A day of writing out the trials and triumphs and what you're learning right where you are, right now.
You might post recent struggles or thoughts. Maybe just a picture or a quote. Or maybe you'll just come here and read the links that others post. Whatever form your participation takes, this is a day for you.
We are all in this, together. Together, we can encourage and build one another up, be honest with our shortcomings and strengthened by community to keep fighting the good fight.
I chose Mondays because what Mama doesn't need a little encouragement on a Monday? As such, I'll have the link up ready to go on Sunday night for you to begin submitting your links.
I hope you'll meet with me each Monday! Here's what to do ~
Link up your post below. Remember to put the link to the exact post you want to link, and not just your blog url. Include in your post a link back here so others who want to join in can find us! And visit some other Mamas who have linked up.
Post the community graphic within your post, so people who are reading your Mindful Mothering post can come back here and find the rest of us!
Invite the writers of your favorite blogs to join in!
Share this meme with others on facebook and twitter. This community is for all moms, and the more that participate, the more we will be able to enjoy!!}
Grab the graphic here:
If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or follow me by email at the top right hand of the screen to have future posts sent to you.
So wonderful and moving.Love it and you!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully worded. It always amazes me how quickly people jump to place blame, and how slow they are to show love. I pray that I am making an intentional shift toward being a small part of the light in the darkness.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Such a good word. Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDelete