Light for our Grandchildren…

My life is upgraded this holiday season; it is a time for cultivating an already good relationship with my five grandchildren. My desire and goal is to make the bond between us an ever growing one. An intimate connection with them will enrich their lives and mine.

On Sunday at church we sang “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.” The lyrics and melody escorted me down Memory Lane. I learned that lively song in a Nazarene Church Sunday school. It was comforting to listen to this music again.

In my life of seventy-plus years, I remember men and women of faith who served as lights in my journey of faith. There were Jack Folson and Henry Meade, who picked me up on Sunday for religious education at the Central Church of the Nazarene. I credit their “light” for assisting me in spiritual pilgrimage as a youth. Through the “light” and inner glow of these influential lay leaders I was attracted to God. Through their patience, compassion and and devotion since I was 16 years old, I continue to sing “…everywhere I go, I’m going to let shine” as a testimonial to the development of my spiritual traits nurtured through wondrous grace.

Within the next fifteen years it’s likely that my “light” will be extinguished with my demise. I believe, though, that my grandchildren will memorialize me as a light that continues to exert an influence upon their behavior and values. My “light” is to pass on to them the values of faith, hope, trust, love and generosity.

My design and purpose is to enrich their lives and to be a source of comfort and stability in life and in death. Through my actions of living faith, I am shining my “light.”

This song from an African-American tradition still contributes to our spiritual development.

Prayer: “Thank you, Lord, for for the lights in our journey of faith. Help us, in turn, to be lights for others.”

Thought for the Day: Leave a light on for the grandchildren, friends and the community.

Hymn of Inspiration and Challenge: “This Little Light of Mine” – verse 3

“Building up a World, I’m going to let it shine…”