Friday morning,
A candle alight in my quiet kitchen,
Peaceful, reflective,
Challenging:
Old and new words come to mind,
“This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine”;
“Jesus bids us shine with a pure, clear light,
Like a little candle burning in the night”;
“There let it for thy glory burn,
With inextinguishable blaze”.
How can I shine for You?
Fan into life this flame
And cosset its fragility,
Cupping hands around it
Against fierce draughts
Of doubt, scorn, belittling,
From others, or myself.
Shelter me, so I can grow
Tall and straight,
Bright and beautiful,
A tiny, flickering tongue of light,
Pure, serene, transforming to
An incandescent flame, blazing a trail
To burn away injustice and fear,
Bringing shining truth,
Warmth, life, solid hope
Into the blackest night.
O Light of the world
Who started so small, became all in all,
You are the one I follow.
Jesus, kindle my timid heart,
Lighten my darkness, steady my steps,
Create me as illuminator
Of dark and desolate places.
Your fire in me, Lord,
Shield, but send out.
