Igniting The Glow

Yesterday my wife and I had the honor and the pleasure of leading a short Easter service at a Convalescent Hospital in a neighboring town.  What really stuck in my mind as we drove away at the end of the service, was the look in the eyes of the small crowd that had assembled.  It was a look that sparkled in brightness with the appreciation of our being there for them.  It wasn’t necessarily because of the presentation that was made, or even of the Word that was shared, it was simply because someone had taken the time to come and be with them.

 I concluded my message by sharing a few thoughts on how Jesus’ resurrection provided for us His “peace that passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7 King James Version).  At that point the folks began to clap their hands and a little crippled lady in a wheel chair sitting in the very back, began to wave her hand at me.  When I came to her side she gave me a big smile and then quietly asked me if I was going to come back again.  The look on her face said it all!  When I said “yes” her face glowed.

Have you ever felt that “glow” of appreciation when someone made a special effort to come and be with you?  Have you ever been the recipient of that “glow” because of your taking the time to share your life with another?  In a way, that is what Our Heavenly Father meant the celebration of Easter to be all about.  John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son…”  (King James Version).  God gave His only Son to be with us, to brighten our lives, to give us a hope and expectation.  We should follow His example by giving of ourselves to brighten the lives of those around us, to those who really need a little “glow” in the lives.

Take the time to extend the celebration of Easter throughout this year.  Look into the eyes of those you pass by, find the one’s who need some light and share a word of joy and expectation with them.  The “glow” that will begin to shine in their eyes will be a reward beyond measure to you.  Be like Jesus.  Be one who ignites a “glow” that gives the downtrodden a greater purpose, hope and expectation in the world.  Stay tuned and keep asking yourself… “What am I expecting today?”