I recently heard Dr. Mark Quanstrom, from Olivet Nazarene University, speak on being the light of the world. He shared from the well-known passage in Matthew 5 that has been titled the Sermon on the Mount. In our minds it can be easy to read that passage as, we are becoming the light of the world, but, no, it says we are the light of the world.

14 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

NIV

A group of misfits and broken people. We are who he is speaking to. Jesus opened the gates of the kingdom to the poor in spirit. The mourners. Those whose lives, by the standard of the world, might not seem all put together and shiny. We are the light. We are the conduit whom he chooses to use to display his love to others. To be his hands and feet. To be his mouth piece to proclaim the good news. He uses us to reflect his image of goodness and kindness to others.

15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

NIV

The amazing thing about light is that it displaces darkness, no matter how small and seemingly insignificant it is. So if you feel like your light is just a flickering ember, let it shine. If you feel like you don’t have all the answers, be humble, and let it shine. Don’t hide the light you have to share under a veil of shame. Let it shine before others. You can do so in faith, believing, because you know the source of the light is not empowered by you, but the Light that was present at the foundation of the world.

I woke up this morning to a heavy white blanket of snow hanging thick on the tree branches and any surface that would welcome it’s embrace. It has been a rather bleak winter, and by that I mean colorless and cloudy. The sunny days have been few and far between. Having grown up on the shores of Lake Michigan, I actually enjoy the clean whiteness of a fresh snow, so I would much rather have a layer of the fluffy stuff if it’s going to be cold and barren.

When you are focused on trying to find joy in the everyday moments of life, it’s amazing how those moments begin to show themselves. They jump out from behind proverbial corners and announce their arrival. I have never been a tea sipper, but in the last year so I have discovered I can enjoy a cup of hot spiced tea. Last week I had a friend at work give me a little tip that has rocked my world and provided me an alternative to my every day caffeine regimen of coffee. I steep my spiced tea to my desired strength and then add a splash of vanilla creamer. Simple, right! Vanilla creamer and spiced tea. But, it’s oh so good!

So today, I experienced joy in drinking a spot of tea while watching the branches, heavy with snow, dancing in the gentle breeze right outside my window. The only thing that would make it more perfect is if I was snuggled up at home in front of the fireplace. Just sayin’.

Under the title, Art in the Ordinary, is where we will post pictures that capture moments where we found art in the ordinary moments of our lives. Our first snapshot was found outside the drive-up window of my local Starbucks. When I came upon this sight I found beauty in it’s composition. Take time throughout your day to discover, art in the ordinary.

Just Hanging Around