Brighten the Corner Where You Are

Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3

As I think about the New Year and my hopes, dreams and prayers for it, I remind myself that many of these things are part of daily life. They do not require a special circumstance; I can brighten the corner where I am.

I learned this fun, catchy gospel song when I was a child, and its message is still true today. We are called to be salt and light - and oh, does the world need light right now! Jesus came to the world to bring light, and when we believe and follow Him, that light dwells in us.

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12

Jesus commands us to brighten the corner where we are. We are not to be tucked away, shining our light for ourselves. We are to give light to this dark world.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

And look at that promise that He gives us - our Father in heaven will get glory when others see our light and praise Him for it! That is one of my consistent prayers - that other people will see what I do and give God the glory.

Miss Ogdon reminds us that it is in our every day lives that we can make a difference by shining our light - we don't need to wait for a deed of greatness or to shed our light afar. We are called to be true to our many duties that are ever near us.

Where can you shine your light? Here are some ideas:
The cashiers at the grocery store or the waitstaff at your favorite restaurant - can you imagine what difference a kind word would make to them?
Your colleagues at work - through your words, decisions and behavior
Your children or other young people in your life - lead by example!
To a hurting friend or family member - let the love of Jesus pour through you

Think about how your words and actions can make someone's way a little easier - and be diligent about making intentional choices each day to shine your light.

You may not have an impact on a lot of people, but don't be discouraged. This song reminds us that into one heart alone may fall your song of cheer - but that's one heart that may be won over for Jesus Christ due to your kindness.

It is our privilege to reflect our Savior in this world - He is the bright morning star!

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” Revelation 22:16

It might be that from our humble hands someone will receive their daily bread, from the Bread of Life Himself, working through us.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst." John 6:35

Today, brighten the corner where you are!

Brighten the Corner Where You Are
Words by Ina Ogdon

Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,
Do not wait to shed your light afar,
To the many duties ever near you now be true,
Brighten the corner where you are.

Refrain
Brighten the corner where you are!
Brighten the corner where you are!
Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar;
Brighten the corner where you are!

Just above are clouded skies that you may help to clear,
Let not narrow self your way debar;
Though into one heart alone may fall your song of cheer,
Brighten the corner where you are.

Here for all your talent you may surely find a need,
Here reflect the bright and Morning Star;
Even from your humble hand the Bread of Life may feed,
Brighten the corner where you are.