Let there be Light

Psalm 97:11

Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.

“You need another blood test,” my doctor said. I hung my head in shame. I’d been avoiding him for three months. Apparently, my thyroid was acting up.

I braved another extraction of my precious blood. I pinched my upper thigh while the nurse probed me for an obliging vein. I needed to divert my attention to the pain I was inflicting upon my leg, rather than the sting of the needle in my arm.

I don’t know why I was so anxious. It was nothing really. And compared to giving birth (twice was enough), taking a blood test is laughable. I watched in wonder as my blood oozed like chocolate syrup into three small vials.

A week later, I called the doctor for my results. My thyroid was behaving normally, but my vitamin D levels were quite low. I explained that the national lockdown measures had turned me into a hermit. He suggested that I take a vitamin supplement, or spend more time in the sun.

I picked light therapy.

It’s winter now, so there’s a high chill factor in the air and sunny days are hard to come by. If the weather looks promising, I’ll roll up my sleeves and pants and bask in the sunshine.

It’s nice to stretch out and soak in the rays, luxuriate in gentle warmth, and ride the boost in one’s mood from being in the light. It’s fun to pretend to be in a photo shoot like some highly sought after model, posing, crossing legs and looking coquettishly at the camera. And then I laugh at myself for being a dork in rolled up tracky dacks, sloppy joe and fluffy socks.

Our bodies need light for vitamin D, which is essential for iron and calcium absorption. Being deficient in this vitamin causes our energy levels to plummet and our bones to weaken. The healthy functioning of our bodies requires good doses of sunshine.

Similarly, our souls need the light.

John 8:12

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Jesus is the light we all need for life.

When we’re saved, God’s light and life lives in us.

I Thessalonians 5:5

Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

We are children of the light. Light represents all that is good and life giving. There should be no darkness in our hearts and our actions should reflect this truth.

Matthew 5:16

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

The good that we do, the acts of kindness and generosity, and the help that we give others all reflect God working in and through us. The inner light that burns in our hearts gives us energy for love and service.

Light is an absolute necessity.

Have you ever gotten yourself dressed in the dark?

Years ago, when I worked in Sydney’s CBD, I had a 45-minute commute to the city. I’d try to catch the 7.07am or the 7.14am train because you had Buckley’s chance of scoring a passenger seat after quarter past seven.

One morning, I’d slept through my alarm. With lightning speed, I managed to get dressed in semi darkness. I only bothered to switch the bathroom light on to do my hair, fix my face, and brush my teeth.

I felt pretty smug as I plonked myself on a leather seat of the 7.14 train. But, when I happened to look down at my feet, I cringed.

I had a navy pair of high heels on my left foot and a black pair of the same model on my right.

What a ding bat.

I felt quite ashamed.

I was also well aware, that I wasn’t cool enough to start a new fashion trend with my mismatched colored heels.

I ran to the office like the Flash. For the rest of the day I didn’t venture far from my desk. I decided not to outside for my lunch break, and if I needed to go to the loo, I tried to go when the coast was clear.

So ladies, it takes less than a millisecond to flick on the light, so save yourself the humiliation, and do that before getting dressed.

Light is needed so we can see things clearly.

For God’s children, our spiritual path is made clearer by God lighting the way.

His direction and guidance is amply provided by Bible light.

Psalm 119:130

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

We don’t have to be people groping about the darkness; not knowing which way to turn.

We are equipped to lead successful lives because the Word of God is the lamp and the light unto our feet.

It provides guidance for the minutiae of life—Should I wash that pile of dishes without being asked? And direction for the grander, weightier matters—Should I marry him? Is this the right career for me to pursue?

Proverbs 6:23

For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.

So, always choose the light.

If we choose to walk in His light, we will never be ashamed