Go Shine

We’ve had a running joke in our family over the years after completing any home repair or improvement, “Well, it’s not as good as Cesare would have done it.” Cesare is married to Cindi’s cousin Lisa and when it comes to knowing how to do most anything, there is no one better.

This is especially true when it comes to construction.

Need a driveway or patio poured? Call Cesare. Tile work done or shower replaced? Cesare is your guy. Need a shed built? That too. Roof replaced? Yep. As a side note, he also can make a mean pizza in the wood fired oven that he built. But here is the amazing thing, although I know that Cesare has worked hard to hone his skills, it just seems to come so natural for him. It’s a gift, almost supernatural, an art really. Over the years I have watched him use his talents to help, and bless so many, our family included. He doesn’t keep this gift to himself or hide it.

In the familiar passages in Matthew Chapter 5, verses 14 through 16, Jesus proclaims to the crowd and us that we are “the light of the world” and that we should “let our light shine before others”, glorifying God. Even more amazing, Jesus spoke these words after beginning the Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes, (the Beautiful Attitudes).

Jesus expects and encourages us to function as light. Engaging God and others, we can bring, awareness of greater things, wonders, spiritual realities, and truths. Everyone is needed and equipped by the Spirit that supercharges abilities and gives gifts. Most times we just need to be available.

I love the Message version of the “light” passage translated by Eugene H. Peterson:

“Here’s another way to put it:

You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.
God is not a secret to be kept.
We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.

If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you?
I’m putting you on a light stand.
Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine!

Keep open house; be generous with your lives.
By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”

As we begin 2024, find purpose in using the gifts and talents God has blessed you with to bring life, color, beauty, feeling and light to your family and others. God wants everyone, in all areas of life, to translate His creativity and character.

Light your lamp, listen, be available, Go Shine!