No one, when he has lit a lamp,
covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who
enter may see the light.
Mac showed up at church one Sunday morning for the first time about two
years ago. He entered the church basically unnoticed and was forced to sit up front,
because there was a baptism that day and the church was full. Mac was in his mid 80s and
probably no more than 5 and-a-half feet tall, an easy guy to miss in a crowd.
I vaguely remember him sitting alone at the front of the church that
first Sunday, but I had no idea how much pain he was enduring.
After the service, he found Pastor and reported that he had just lost
his wife of 40 some years. He said he had not darkened the doorway of any church in at
least 20 years. His wife had died earlier in the week, and he had felt compelled to give
religion one more chance. So there he was alone and, at the darkest hour of his long life,
back in church.
One would think this poor soul needed a lot of help and attention from
members of our church. He got that help and attention, but the most surprising aspect of
Mac’s arrival among us was how much he has given to our congregation since.
After that first Sunday, I have never seen Mac without a smile on his
face. He still sits at the front by himself. But instead of dwelling on the obvious
problems in his life, Mac embraces what God has given him. He freely lets the light of God
shine through him.
As the congregation receives Communion and then files to the outside
aisles, there is Mac waiting for them with a big smile and a warm handshake and that
bright light beaming through him. More than once I have sat back, watched Mac go through
this small ritual, and marveled at how powerful simple acts of love can be. The funny
thing is that Mac probably has no idea what a positive impact he has on others every
Sunday. The same can be said of all of us in our daily lives.
So let your light shine. When you feel overwhelmed by the troubles of
life, turn to God. He won’t let you down. Just ask Mac.
Lord, thank you for people like Mac who let the light of your
love shine through them. Remind us to turn to you in the hour of need. Amen.
David Lee |
