I will strike the match!
I have a confession to make. I love candles! I relish the imagery of; flickering lights illuminating the darkness, a dimly lit wick bursting into flame, and the orange glow signaling its goodbye before the fire extinguishes. That, however, is not my confession.
Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. (Such things ring through my head.) For though surrounded by candled scents of lavender, honey suckle, and lilacs, I seldom rise to strike a match. My delighting in aromas released by burning wicks are alive, primarily, in memories. Candles remain beautifully displayed. Seldom are they used.
Today, I see a candle staring at me across the room longing to glow. I ask myself? Why do I hesitate to strike the match? My heart responds. I want to hold onto memories with loved ones who gave each candle as a gift. I want to keep the candle preserved, as is.
Yet, each gift was given to be more. The gift was given so I could experientially illuminate my darkness. The gift was given so the dimly lit wick could burst into flames before my eyes. The gift was given so the orange glow could signal its goodbye as the flame extinguishes. All is beautiful. All is meant to be Lived.
I am faced with a choice. Will today be the same? Or will this be a New Beginning? Will I intentionally ignite the flames to release Heaven’s aroma?
Yes! My heart resounds. I will strike the match! Let darkness be illuminated! Let fragrance fill the room!
All is Beautiful. All is meant to be Lived… Today
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, ”