Light

Shattered glass reflects morning light at the scene of the accident.

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.

Instead they put it on its stand,

and it give light to everyone in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before men,

that they may see your good deeds

and praise your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5: 15-16 NIV

Being a light on a stand is uncomfortable. Light is noticed.

Many times after my family was in an accident in January, I've felt like a candle balanced on a candlestick. I usually avoid being noticed and find the candlestick a narrow, hard perch.

Yet our family has been noticed. First responders, law enforcement officers, witnesses, doctors, nurses, therapists, judge, prosecuting attorney, family, friends, co-workers and neighbors in the past months, have all watched to see how we will respond to the event that has changed our lives.

Many people have commented that our family has an attitude of forgiveness. If, in ourselves, we could forgive the woman who ran the stop sign, causing the accident that endangered nine other lives and seriously injured three of my siblings, it would be extraordinary. I don't possess that ability.

The forgiveness we exhibit is only the reflection of the forgiveness we have experienced in Jesus Christ. Because of what He has done for us, we have no choice but to forgive and to continue forgiving.

So, if you see the tiny twinkle of a candle or the sparkle of shattered glass, give honor to the Light we reflect.