The bright lights flashing under Michael Jackson’s feet in the Billie Jean video do the same job as the ones strung along the vanity mirror: they illuminate the one to be focused on. I’m beginning to understand the role light plays in our lives. Street lights, hallway lights, traffic lights and candles.

Street Lights
The ones we had to abide by when we were little represent the people God has appointed to look over us. The mother, father, big sister and brother figures that shine their lights above us. That warm sometimes fuzzy light that allows clear vision to move forward safely. They stand tall and reliable, illuminating the sky until day breaks. Only then can we walk without them at the appointed time.

Hallway lights
These lights symbolize the people who remain beside us to assist along the way. Sometimes we have to knock around in the dark to find them but once found, they shed some light on the road ahead. They have been down it before and they know each bump and curve. It is wise listen to them, taking their hand from time to time as we continue along our journey.

Traffic Lights
These are the testing lights. The ones that often cause the bruises, the scrapes, accidents and headaches. As annoying as they may be, they are needed. Some are cautionary; many direct you toward the safest way to proceed. But there are a few positioned to stop you right in your tracks. At least in theory they should. We still tend to run past them even when we know we shouldn’t, in haste to get to where we want to go. And we usually don’t get the message until we get the medical and/or repair bill. They bring the most pain but the deepest lessons.

The Candles
The candles are the lights we internally possess. These are the lights that brighten even the darkest room. It’s the fire that’s present in us to fight the good fight of faith. To give the devil a hard time and bring a big, proud grin to God’s face. It exists as a result of our trials. Even when our moans and sighs of frustration and struggle cause it to flicker, it remains lit. Our job daily is to protect and nurture it; keep it from being snuffed out. Either by our own actions or the actions of others.

These four lights ignite our passion to serve and honor God, stir up our intercession for others, teach us how not to extinguish the light within and help us strike the paths God has deemed us to walk down. 

So tell me: are you letting your lights shine?