Let Your Light Shine

Up and down the eastern seaboard of the United States you will find stoic lighthouses scattered along the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean. More than 250 lighthouses support ships along the east coast, constructed during the time period where shipping goods by sea was the primary means of doing business. These stalwart features stand watch throughout the day, but their overarching significance occurs during the darkest of nights. Beaming out across the night sky, their beacon of light radiating from the tower serves as a warning for sailors as they pass shallower waters. In addition, the beacon also provides a better understanding of the path by which ships must navigate a safe landing port without crashing upon the jagged, rocky shoreline of the northeastern coast. That beacon of light serves as a constant reminder for all, the light from the lighthouse doesn't shine for its own benefit, instead each evening as dusk turns into night, this dedicated guardian sends out a warning beacon for the complete benefit of others.

Often, I reference the mindset that your life isn't about you, but that it is more about those you can serve and support through the life you have been given to live. What better illustration of that servant leader mentality than that of the humble lighthouse. Unassuming, yet iconic, a lighthouse goes about each night sending its bright beam of light out not to say, "Here I am, look at me", but instead to share the message of "Watch out, be careful where you go".  Is your life more about you shining so that others can see you, or are you living the life of a servant leader who lives to share your light with those you come in contact with each day?

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus shared this directive with His disciples, "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." I'm pretty sure if lighthouses had of been in existence back then, Jesus would have used them as a visual for this message. Lighthouses were built in strategic locations to benefit the largest number of sailing vessels possible. Their light shines bright so that others are protected and that they can find their way in the darkest of nights. Your inner light needs to shine for good, we live in a world where evil seems to be at every corner we turn, so it is critically important that your beacon of light shines for all to see. Humble as the modest lighthouse, but shining His light brightly for all to see!

 Coach Carter