“Hey Hon!”
Gentle the words were—not meant to be heard, but I overheard. The couple had just strapped their young child into the car seat when one leaned over to make a request from the other. “Hey hon, could you…”
Observing the same couple within the confines of a shop—a candle was selected as they both sniffed their way into the decision. Twas a simple gesture—a nod from one heart to the other—that they were united in this journey as they smelled candle after candle, finally agreeing on a scent they both liked. The closeness of the decision melted my heart as I visualized the candle countertop. Perhaps the light would signal welcome home. Perhaps it would bring peaceful cozy within the darkness of night igniting rest for the weary. Perhaps it would gather them round the light as they ate their evening meal—resonating, “Hey hon.”
Being present as they enjoyed the smiles of their little one wasn’t the biggest news in the headlines—or was it? No major upgrades were discussed between them about their “stuff.” Rather, it was the sharing of information about a new recipe they’d recently discovered that highlighted their day. As Sunday came and went, to church they went without so much as a nudge and greeted others as they anchored one another in the security of what was before them—the presence of one another.
Peace be still is spoken within His Word. As the faithful departed from a visit within our home, there was a peace that was left in the wake of their departure. The essence of it left its mark upon us, and for this I was most grateful. It’s been days now, and the essence of peace left behind still lingers, much like a candle lit signaling all is well.
Faith lived out, and faith lived well sort of bubbles up and permeates all that surrounds it. What does the freedom of faith lived out look like as spoken of in His Word?
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:32.
So, what does one do with this wonderful piece of news ushering in peace? I suppose it might not be as difficult as we think. You see, it’s not in the doing but in the being present not only to one another, but to others. Perhaps it’s as easy as lighting a candle, enjoying the aroma, and praying attention to the Light in the darkness—which sheds light by dispelling the darkness.
Matthew 6:32 anoints renewal and reminds us just who is doing any heavy lifting involved. “Your heavenly Father knows what you need.” And blessed assurance reminds us that if He knows our needs, He knows the needs of those around us. He knows not only who but when and where we are to shed any Light given us. And for this, I am most grateful to not only be able to shed His light, but to receive it from others who shed it as Light upon my path. Amen.
Kathleen Kjolhaug
This article was first published in Theology in the Trenches, a column written by Kathleen Kjolhaug. Posted with permission. Read more articles on her blog, Theology in the Trenches.
