There are certain places in the world where the light is different. I really noticed it in Italy, for instance, when we were there a couple of years ago. There was a warm, golden wash over the ancient buildings that seemed to make everything glow.
Santa Fe, New Mexico is such a place, as well. With all the buildings cast in shades of earth, set against aspens and pines, that touch of gold sets it all ablaze somehow, making the sky an impossible azure blue. Further out, rugged mountains and rocky landscapes beg an artist’s interpretation.
Actually, most places with the special light are a type of mecca for artists. It’s in these locales that you’ll find gallery after gallery, because they are drawn like bees to honey, fingers itching to bring the visual feast to a tangible form.
There are people with a different light, as well. We’ve met a few on this trip, those who radiate a warmth and draw you in for further conversation. Those who invest and take the time to make your day a little better. Those who send you off with a glow of your own.
We’re called to be those people, shining with an Inner Light that sets the world ablaze. Sometimes it seems easier to keep our head down, throw on a coat, and hunker down to walk against the relentless dark and cold in a singular effort to survive. The call to be number one is loud and constant. But if we could manage to throw off the coat and hold our heads high, our warmth would go a long way to cast out the cold, light would banish darkness, and we could, together, not only survive but thrive. We would find ourselves surrounded by the artists of life, drawn like bees to honey, hearts itching to capture the Light.
Yes, there are places in this world where the Light is different. It should be right where we are.
No matter where we are.
“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 5:14-15 MSG