Love as Dawn Draws Near- Wednesday, December 13th

WEEK TWO: LOVE AS DAWN DRAWS NEAR

The Glow of a Theater Spot

Philippians 2:3-4 (NRSV)

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.

I relished my song leader role during Vacation Bible School a few years ago. I loved to teach the children the songs and lead them in dance movements. Truth be told, I was delighted to be in front of a crowd to lead and inspire. But as the mornings passed, a few children asked to come up to lead the songs, too. By the end of the week, almost every child was up front, singing, dancing, and having fun. No one seemed to care that there was no one left to lead. We were ALL in the limelight!

What makes being the center of attention so enjoyable? When I was a song leader, I enjoyed being up front, entertaining and teaching. I felt important and needed. Marianne Williamson said, “Our deepest need is to be seen.” When we are seen, we know that we matter to someone, that someone acknowledges us; that someone has paused long enough to look our way and notice us.

There are times when we are called to be shining lights for God’s glory. The world needs good and godly leaders for people to watch and follow. But today we are reminded that we are to humbly put others before our own needs, too. How might we help someone feel valued; how might we give someone time “in the spotlight” of our attention? How might you bless a stranger today, with a word and a smile of acknowledgment? Is there someone who may not even need a spotlight, but simply needs to be seen… by you?

God’s love glows when focus on others and help them to shine.