Those who know me best know that I am very selective about lighting. I love lighting but I definitely prefer soft, gentle lighting to harsh, bright lighting. I also appreciate how light is presented.
During our full time ministry years, we served in wonderful communities with beautiful buildings. One of my favorite memories is the lighting that appeared from within Church buildings during night hours. When we served at Germantown Christian Church, I found it breathtaking to view beautiful stained glass windows illuminated from light within the building. The scenes and stories reflected His light in tender, rich hues. If the lights were out, the windows were dark. But if the lights were on, those windows presented loving truth.
One of my greatest childhood memories is the lighting used by my home church, Level Green Christian Church in Newport, Virginia, at Christmas time. In each of the tall, stately windows is a single, soft candle glowing all night long. This simple, humble scene promotes His peace...His light...His love...quietly and effectively. I literally gasp with amazement each time we drive by that familiar, beautiful place I love so dearly. My soul is stirred as I am reminded how soft lighting inside reaches out in the darkest nights to reflect hope, warmth and love.
It's no secret that I am not a spotlight person. It's not my personality. It's not my desire. It's not my goal. My deepest hope and prayer are not for me to be seen in the light...but...only His light...to be seen in me. I simply want to reflect Him...softly, tenderly...with my story simply leading to His love, His hope, His peace and His Presence.
Yes, I am selective about lighting....soft instead of harsh, reflective instead of reactive and His instead of mine. May His light shine above all else now...and forever.<3~thl
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