Shine, Baby, Shine!

2 Corinthians 3:13-18

And we . . . are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord . . . (2 Cor. 3:18)

 

I LOST MY MOM in December 2004. She was loved by many because she frequently sent encouraging notes, never forgot birthdays, and liked to share laughter. A classy lady, Shirley was also a little quirky with her passion for dressing up in glitzy clothes. If it shined, sparkled, or dangled, she was drawn to it like a fish to a lure. Prior to her memorial service, we sent out a message to everyone to wear something glitzy in her honor. We celebrated her life and home-going with style and flair. Why did Mom like all that dazzle? Perhaps it had to do with the gloom she had known from relationship betrayals, financial crises, and the poor health she endured for much of her life. Maybe she wanted to reflect light instead of the darkness that plagued her, to bring light into the lives of others rather than revealing the bleakness she often experienced inside. When I think of God's glory, I think of a very bright light being reflected off the face of my mom, my children, and Jesus. I can picture that, and it stirs within me a desire to reflect that light to others. I hope they will remember the occasions when I prayed for or encouraged them and be reminded that the light is not mine. I'm just reflecting it from the one who truly shines.

 

Diane Markins

 

Brighten someone's day today.