This week’s article is written by Arnie Saaf, a member of Godfrey First United Methodist Church, 1100 Airport Road.
One of the joys of summertime, for me, is the beautiful evening displays of lightning bugs, aka fireflies. Ever since childhood, these wonderful winged creatures have entertained me with their blinking dances. Certainly they are one of God’s loveliest creations.
Not only are they beautiful, but they are very friendly. Then do not sting or bother anyone. They even let you catch them and put them in glass bottles. Lightning bugs teach us good life lessons: do no harm; let your little light shine; bring joy to those around you.
“This little light of mine, I’m gonna make it shine” has become somewhat of a theme song for our church. We also have been blessed with a new community middle school choir, Ignite. Here’s a verse from their theme song:
There is a candle in every soul;
Some burning brightly, some dark and cold.
There is a Spirit who brings a fire,
Ignites a candle, and makes His home.
Carry your candle, run to the darkness,
Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn.
Hold out your candle for all to see it.
Take your candle … go light your world.
As Christians we have a “great commission.” Though we can’t go to the ends of the world, we can spread the light of Christ in our own community. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.