Sandi and I have enjoyed the work of the artist Thomas Kinkade, the painter of light. His painting are like icons of hope and comfort to a culture increasingly stressed by the frenzied pace of modern living. His paintings beckon us to explore a world more peaceful than our own. His paintings depict quaint homes that welcome us with glowing windows, peaceful streams winding through verdant forests, and of course, light, a light that takes away the darkness of our days.
That really is the work of each of us, to be a painter of light. Our lives can be best lived when our lives shine with the light of encouragement and inspiration into the world around us. Despite the limitations of our family background, despite our less than perfect childhood, despite our many personal shortcomings. God has positioned us perfectly for the unique task. He has called us to DO. For reasons that to us are often unclear but always miraculous, God chose us to be light givers.
I believe that each of us, in our own way, is an artist. You may not be skilled with paints and brushes, but you are still involved in creating a beautifully crafted work of art, your life. With every moment that you experience, every choice you make, you are adding brush-strokes to the canvas. More important, you are determining what kind of message your artwork will convey to the world.
We all have a greater purpose to our lives than merely existing day to day. Each of us, in our own unique way is called to let our light shine. It’s the highest calling any of us have in life: making the world a little brighter because of the way we paint our days and hours and months and years.
It seems pretty obvious, if enough people filled their lives with light, the world would be a pretty bright place. But if even one person lives more radiantly and joyfully, the world will still be brighter than it was. I rejoice that Lord of Life is blessed by people who let their light shine. May we keep shining by both word and deed as we color the canvas of our lives.
Go with God!
Pastor Qualley
This is so beautiful and captures exactly how I hope to live.
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