Does my light still shine?

"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand - shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16 The Message

     I remember attending Vacation Bible School as a child. I would prance in front of the packed congregation with my first finger held high while singing "This Little Light of Mine." My six-year-old brain could not fathom ever letting my light go out. I remember the words....

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Won't let Satan blow it out. I'm gonna let it shine. Won't let Satan blow it out. I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Let it shine til Jesus comes. I'm gonna let it shine. Let it shine til Jesus comes. I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel - NO! I'm gonna let it shine. Hide it under a bushel - NO! I'm gonna let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Let it shine over the whole wide world, I'm gonna let it shine.Let it shine over the whole wide world, I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

      
     I recently taught that song to my daughter, Olivia. She sang it with her whole heart and I believe she meant every word. As an adult singing along with her, I wondered if I still meant every word. Does my light still shine or has it been blown out?
      I loved driving home to my parent's house for the weekend when I was in college. My mom and dad would always have the porch light on and a candle in the window. It was the only house lit on the street. The lights welcomed me home.
     Jesus talks about lights in the book of Matthew. He tells us as believers we are to be the light of the world. A city on a hill that cannot be hidden. In other words, He calls us to be different from the darkness. Standing out, not blending in.
     Letting our light shine is not an easy calling. As parents, it may mean speaking when it would be easier to remain quiet or saying "no" to your child when all the others are saying "yes." As a teenager, it may mean staying home when everyone else is partying, or befriending the one who doesn't quite fit in.
     For me, it may mean saying a kind word when an ugly one is justified.
Shining our light means showing others the path we have found in Christ so they too can find their way.