My mom used to wake my sister and I up for school when we were kids. She would enter our shared room and say, “Rise and shine!” This was very early in the morning because we lived in a rural area and had a long bus ride to school. In the winter, it was always dark when she told us to shine. And we would groan.

In the cold, dark winter of Wisconsin, the last thing I felt like doing was rising out of my warm bed. And I always wondered how I was supposed to shine.

The sun rises and shines due to the nuclear fusion blasting photons from its core. The moon rises and shines as well, but its light is only a reflection of the sun’s brilliance.

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the  Lord shines over you.” (Isaiah‬ ‭60‬:‭1,‬ ‭CSB)‬‬

I’m like the moon. I can’t shine on my own. God is the source of all goodness, love, and infinite power. By spending time with Him, soaking in His wisdom and accepting His generous grace, I can shine. I am called to reflect His glory to a hurting, dark world. By serving others with love, joy, and humility, I can shine with the brilliance of many suns.

Dear God, your love is too wonderful for me to comprehend fully. If there is any good I can shine on this world, it is only because you have generously shone your light on me. Teach me how to reflect your love on the people I interact with so that they turn to you with joy.