Shining Love

“…Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16, NIV

Hannah was a passenger onboard a large cruise ship. As one of the guests of the captain, she received a personalized tour from the man. He took the small group through the ship, stopping in at the bridge.

The captain had each worker introduce himself and explain what his job was. Everyone was listening intently and asking questions.

Finally, a five-year-old asked about the shiny brass. “Why does it shine?” He asked as he ran his fingers over it.

The captain smiled at the small boy. “It’s constantly polished. If it’s not polished every day, it won’t shine at all.”

When Hannah went to bed that night, she thought of the captain’s words. She’d stopped reading her Bible and praying a few months ago after a painful breakup. But she’d found she missed spending time with God daily.

Now, she picked up her Bible and opened it to the book of Psalms. She started reading the verses, determined to rekindle her old habit.

Do you have a spiritual discipline that you’ve abandoned? What would happen if you picked it back up today?

God, thank You for waiting patiently for me! You always woo me back to Your embrace. Help me to lean into my faith this week and shine Your love to those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.