When your best doesn't seem enough

He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All those people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” – Luke 21:2-4

I like candles. They sure have come a long way over the years. All sizes, colors and scents! From the big and wide three wick candle to the small slender one on a birthday cake, they all add warmth and light in their own special way.

I know we are called as Christians to be candles in the darkness. We come in all sorts of sizes too. There are people I know who live so full of energy and life – and light – they warm up any room with their glowing countenance. They know how to inspire!

But there are others, waking up every morning to pain, real pain. Whether physical or emotional, with the approaching holiday season, maybe they’re thinking they have no glow at all. It’s not true. For anyone suffering the blues: it’s not the amount of light you shed, it’s that you shed some light. Remember the single little candle on the birthday cake of a one-year-old, and all the happiness and joy surrounding it. You too, can be that kind of light. Any kind of thankfulness shared aloud brings glory to God. It’s not about how big. Maybe your thanks today is for the pain medication the doctor prescribed. Others around you would understand completely. Or maybe you’re only able to say grace before a meal. Praise God!  The believers around you will be edified and the unbelievers will be given a spark to stir their interest. Giving any thanks and praise honors God and shows you as faithful to Him. Amen?

Amen. It means “it is true” or “so be it”. Amen is the believer’s confession of agreement with the word spoken. So, be as faithful as you can. Do the best you can in whatever circumstance you find yourself in. And know that even the tiniest of thanks is a glowing flame in God’s hands.