Episode 28

Last weekend Americans like me celebrated our independence. My family lit a few small fireworks in the large gravel driveway at my house. We also had sparklers in various primary colors. I have loved sparklers since I was a child. They don’t make loud pops or piercing whistling sounds. They’re not scary because you can hold them in your hand. Even today—as old as I am—I grin and giggle as I hold one sparkler in each hand and draw circles and twirl figure eights in the night. I love how the light shoots into the darkness. That’s what believers are called to do—shine like dazzling light shooting into the darkness. Darkness seems especially dark right now…with peaceful protests overshadowed by violence and rioting. But Isaiah promised that the Lord will be our everlasting light and that our days of sorrow will end. That happens when we become like sparklers in this dark world. I want to be a sparkler that pierces the darkness with the everlasting light of the Lord. I want peace to be my governor and well-being to be my ruler. Don’t you? This week's scripture: Isaiah 60:1–3, 17b–20