Touched by a Centenarian

Harold, a beloved resident in the nursing home where my daughter works, turns 100 today.

Harold was born before the Titanic sailed, before either World War was waged, and before the Great Depression struck. American women could not vote until after his eighth birthday, and the first blog didn't appear until after his eightieth. Imagine how much the world has changed during Harold's 100 years. TVs, microwaves, cell phones, the internet, and more have come into existence--modern inventions large and small that would leave our ancestors awestruck. Oh, my goodness! We now even have remote-controlled, battery-operated candles, a product no one could have dreamed about in 1912, the year of Harold's birth.

And those candles make me pause.

Scripture says, " . . . let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16 NIV). Harold's light shines so that the entire nursing home--staff and residents alike--are uplifted by it.

Which leaves me asking how my light is shining during the years God has granted me.

Am I like a battery-operated candle, turning on and off with the flip of a switch? Do I light up only when it is convenient or when I hope to impress someone with my glow? Am I energized by a limited power source, a worldly one?

Or does a constant, genuine flame burn within me, fueled by eternal light through my Savior's grace?

Birthday candles will blaze for Harold today with wax-melting, heart-warming flames. Does my light shine with such genuine fire? Does it blaze with grace-ignited passion? Does it draw attention to God in such a way that He receives the glory instead of me?

Unlike Harold, most people are not granted a full century of life on earth, but our longevity means little compared to how we shine while we're here. I've never met this centenarian, but his life touches mine today. Will my life touch others? Will yours?

Let's brainstorm together to list simple things we can do today to let our light shine for God. You never know whose life you might touch by commenting below. And feel free to leave birthday wishes for Harold. My daughter will be happy to make sure he sees them. Share the gift!