It happened one day on vacation. We were on a tour of the Jewel Cave. We noticed lights were spaced to help us find our way, and to help us see some of the wonders of the cave. Then suddenly, my daughter turned on her flashlight and shined it in my eyes. OUCH! That hurt. My eyes winced, my head turned away from the light as fast as possible. I didn’t want the light in my eyes, even if it helped light up the room.

As quickly as that happened, my mind filled with the thought that we possibly do that with the “light” God has given us. We shine it right at people, oftentimes our kids, who don’t know they are in the wrong and say, “LOOK!” Sometimes they wince in pain, turn and walk away…never changing and never seeing the light.

But, as we traveled through that cave, we stumbled upon rich cave treasures. They were pointed out by softly lit areas that our eyes in darkness could focus on. We gladly looked upon them and let our gaze stay a while to ponder what was before us.

I walked out of that cave a different person. One that was more aware of the proper use of “light”. A new perspective was given me on witnessing, on parenting, and on how to be a good example. Am I a glaring bright light that others turn from? Or am I a candlestick, gently lighting the house? Or am I trying to shine it directly on someone to show them they are wrong? God polished my character that day, and I pray that I shine more true for Him, now.

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16