Issue 1,011 – Sun Dappled – March 23, 2023
The trail cut diagonally and down across the face of the steep wooded hill. The silence was almost surreal as the heavy moss-covered forest soaked up nearly all sound. Periodically we could hear the sound of rushing water from a creek we couldn’t yet see. When we moved forward another step or two, the forest quickly muffled even that sound.
The fern-covered forest floor brought scenes from some prehistoric-themed movie set to mind. I almost half expected to see some dinosaur step out or hear the distant roar of a T-Rex (although no one knows what they sound like.)
In places, rays of sunshine managed to break through, giving small spots a sun-dappled look. When the trees are leafed out in the summer, the forest floor probably sees even less sunlight.
The sun breaking through the shadows in those places made the scene peaceful.
It was a pleasant reminder that the light always breaks through, at least in times and places.
I was reminded of the opening words of the Gospel of John.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5
That light came into the world for a particular purpose.
The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:9-13
He came to make it possible for some to transition from the darkness into the eternal light, to bring forgiveness, restoration, hope and love.
We have been transformed into children of the light and are being refined continually into the image of Christ.
“… at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:8-10
We become small reflections of the greatest light, and He uses us to shine even more brightly into the darkness. Our individual lights may not seem like much in the face of the world’s darkness, but combined, we reflect an astonishing amount of light for those lost in the dark to see.
Not all will respond, but some will see the Lord reflected in some small way in us and be drawn to Him. When that happens, all the glory is His because His light draws people. Yet we are blessed to have served some small part in seeing changes in people that will last for eternity.
Our light might not seem much brighter than a momentary sun dapple on a mossy forest floor, but we can rejoice that God brings the harvest. We simply have to reflect the light.
Until next time, keep the light shining. None of us know how or when God will use it, but we can be assured He will.
Be Blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2023 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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