Shine Brightly

Ok so that is probably not the greatest picture of shining bright but i think it will actually be better for a point that was shown to me earlier (besides the fact that i have not infringed on any copyrights :-) )

So anyway, i was sitting at starbucks (surprise, surprise)  i was sitting in one of the comfy chairs (another surprise because they are usually taken)  and i was doing some prep work for a Bible study on conflict management that i am doing with a new friend of mine.  i am also listening to my ipod in order to drown out the starbucksy music.  then i look up from the Scriptures and the book, and i see this poster; it says “Shine Brightly” and another one that said “Find Your Glow.”  i was intrigued. so i read on (squinting because i am getting older and finding hard to admit that i need stronger lenses in my glasses....again) and it says “Find Your Glow ... with our new tea lattes.” and  “Shine Bright...while trying a new tea  latte.”  Ok, all of you should know that i am a true starbucks fan, but something really bugged me here.  starbucks was advertising for great teas by getting us where we live.  Everyone wants to shine bright.  There is not one person out there that is not looking for their glow.  it is just that most do not know what it is they are looking for.  and i am sorry starbucks, but it ain’t tea.  we are made to seek, to search out that something more that will make us warm, peaceful, and glowing.  It is Jesus.  It is Him.  Nothing and no one else.  Not one thing this world has to offer can cause us to shine bright or glow.  we were made to worship.  our sole purpose in life is to reflect His glory right back to Him. 

sitting in starbucks was a wonderful insightful moment.  i loved it, i felt like i had some kind of epiphany. the Lord spoke, i listened, i responded.  it was awesome.  but just as i was thinking how wonderful it was i began to realize even on the “angkot” ride to starbucks i was not showing His glory.  i was frustrated cuz i could not sit near the window therefore it was hot and humid and a little smelly.  i was irritated when i walked into starbucks because my favorite chair was taken (one, by the way, if i had sat in i would not have seen the posters).  i had fussed at grace for something she had no control over right before i left for starbucks.  i had let my glow, my ability to “shine brightly” be dimmed by my own interests, my own desires, my own moods.  

as soon as i put my focus on myself or even others there is no glory to be reflected back to God, instead i often hinder His plan and most definitely hinder His glory. BUT, when i am putting my focus where it belongs, on Him..abiding in Him, and imitating Him, then i am giving Him what He wants, what He deserves, what He demands. i am giving Him His rightful worship.  i am reflecting Him back to Him.  

emma had told me before. “mom, be the moon”  meaning be the reflection of the Light, not the source.