Let’s BEGIN this blog with a powerful reflection on a couple of Bible verses from Matthew 5:15-16 ESV:
“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.”
These verses consistently prompt me to evaluate my conduct around others. I often ponder the example I am setting. When the weight of emotions like sadness, anxiety, or depression bears down on me, it feels like someone is forcefully covering my lamp. In those moments, I struggle to let my light shine as it should.
Unveiling my light becomes a battle, one that I can win but not as effortlessly as before. Yet, it’s crucial to exercise caution when allowing our light to shine. The motive matters; it should not be about seeking self-centered recognition but rather glorifying God through our actions. Depicting a positive example becomes paramount.
Unveiling Light Through Shared Radiance:
During bouts of depression, I find myself relying on others to help me uncover my light. I need their radiance to be strong enough to envelop us both. When my light is dimmed, the darkness is profound, an indescribable and daunting place. I visualize it as my mind having passages blocked by doors. Opening a door, I step into the darkness, unsure if there’s a light switch until I explore further. Entering these dark passages makes it challenging to find my way back, necessitating someone else’s light to guide me. A recent phrase resonated deeply with me: “A man’s only limit is his mind.” It serves as a reminder to press through tough and dark times to savor the good ones. I’ve always maintained that without cloudy, rainy days, we wouldn’t truly appreciate the sunny ones. Applying this mindset to life’s challenges helps me navigate towards my inner light. In essence, these verses and reflections remind us that our light, though sometimes dimmed, is never extinguished. It’s a call to push through the shadows, appreciating the contrast they provide to truly illuminate the brighter moments in our lives.
Unveiling Light Through Purposeful Actions:
I’ve found immense wisdom in the pages of a book that’s become a touchstone for me: “The Servant with One Talent: Five Success Principles from the Greatest Parable Ever Told” by Michael Ivanov. This insightful narrative revolves around a man gripped by fear, someone hesitant to take risks, who chose to bury his talent rather than invest it. The fear of losing what little he had held him captive. It’s a stark reminder of how, when I cover my light, setting a positive example becomes an uphill battle. To change this, I need to introduce my mind to new beliefs and thoughts, gradually replacing negativity with positivity.
The profound truth echoed in the book is that buried talents don’t lose their value, but they do cost us time – a precious commodity. “My buried talent does not lose value, but it does cost me time, and time is a heavy price to pay.” This resonates deeply. Time is our most valuable asset, a currency we all possess in equal measure each day. It’s imperative not to squander this gift. To let my light shine, I’ve discovered that spending quality time with my family is paramount. Engaging in activities, playing games, and sharing moments together create lasting bonds that go beyond the silent solitude of staring into space. Whether it’s cheering for the Memphis Grizzlies or reveling in outdoor adventures, these shared experiences illuminate the path.
Another avenue to radiate light is by extending a helping hand to others. It’s the simple acts, like assisting a stranger with their groceries or aiding in changing a flat tire, that make a significant impact. Your family notices when you lend a hand. Visiting family in nursing homes, reaching out to those who may be shut in, or even covering someone’s dinner tab at a restaurant – the opportunities to make a positive difference are endless. Most importantly, I’ve realized the power of praying for others rather than solely focusing on myself.
In the grand account of how we spend our time and utilize the resources entrusted to us on this earth, it becomes crucial to reflect on whether we are influencing our surroundings or being influenced by them. Time, our greatest asset, demands careful investment. As we journey through life, we must ensure that our light not only shines brightly within but also illuminates the paths of those around us.
Practices for Illumination and Mental Wellness:
Living for yesterday is a futile endeavor; we cannot travel back in time to illuminate our light. Worrying about the past or the uncertainties of tomorrow robs us of the time we have today. Consider this: Can you go into the past and turn on a light? Can you go into the future and do the same? Impossible. The only moment we can truly light our light is today.
To ward off the shadows of depression, I’ve identified a set of practices that have proven invaluable:
- Ignite My Light First: Illuminating my own light prevents me from entering the dark rooms within my mind.
- Speak Positivity: Injecting positive affirmations into my life while actively avoiding negativity is crucial.
- Seek Professional Guidance: Regular sessions with my counselor provide essential support in lighting my light and maintaining a well-lit mental space.
- Guard Against External Negativity: Vigilance in not letting others’ negativity influence me is paramount.
- Surround Me with Positivity: Being in the company of good people, those who can shine their light on me when darkness looms, is vital.
- Help Others and Pray: The act of helping others and offering prayers brings joy beyond imagination.
- Value Time: Acknowledge the precious gift of time and avoid squandering it.
- Express Gratitude: Daily expressions of gratitude and maintaining a list of things I’m thankful for serve as a constant reminder of the positive aspects of life.
- Personal Inventory: End-of-day reflections on personal actions and interactions, contemplating if I could have treated someone better, ensuring continuous self-improvement.
- Pray for Others: Shifting the focus from personal prayers to those for others fosters a deeper connection and a broader perspective.
I share these insights in the hope that they resonate with you. If you have a story to share or simply seek someone to talk to, feel free to reach out via email at rentfreemedia@rent-freeliving.com. Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook and share your feedback – it’s invaluable in helping us understand how our blogs impact you. Your thoughts matter, so please do reach out and let us know your perspective.