Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.Matthew 5:15-16
Once upon a time, in a window not so far away, a candlestick tarnished on the sill. As layers of dust thickened over the wax, hope for a purposeful existence faded. Then one day, the owner came to the window. He smeared white paste over the silver. The polish cut through the corrosion, with some initial discomfort. As the owner polished the surface, it gleamed with increasing beauty. He continued buffing until seeing his own reflection in the silver. After trimming the wick, he also lit the candle. Dust crackled and burned away with each moment.
A few passers by turned down the path toward the light and the owner welcomed them into his home. Others continued on their way down the dark, stormy road. The candlestick strove to burn higher, shine brighter, to find itself exhausted. It failed to provide more light than the owner had offered it. The candlestick doubted its purposefulness, wishing to leap through the window and reach those bedraggled travelers.
The owner dusted the candlestick with a soft cloth. “Those who aren’t looking won’t see, even if the light appears before them in the middle of the street. They’ve rejected me, not you. Only my light has the power to save them. You only carry the light I give you. You are a candlestick, not a flame. I’ll take care of you,” He said. “And I can take care of them, too. Keep shining, but shine in peace with the light I’ve given you.”
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30
