1-30-22 Shine Bright

Quote: “Don’t compare your life to others.  There’s no comparison between the sun and the moon.  They shine when it’s their time.”

I have never thought of the sun and the moon being similar before.

I always think of day and night, sun and moon, light and darkness.  After I read this quote the other night, I went outside in the freezing cold and stood on my deck to stare at the moon.  I’ve never stared at the sun before (well wait, except for that summer of  when the solar eclipse made its appearance and our family shared a welder’s mask to take a peek!)  But I have stared at the moon before.  Tonight I looked at it differently.  I looked at the way it shed light on the snow, the way it allowed me to see a little bit into the neighbor’s backyard, the way it glowed around its edges.

It made me realize how spot on this quote is!  There is no comparison between the sun and the moon.  But they both shine, in their own unique and special way. The sun allows us to see outside, heats up our planet, allows plants to grow, makes my skin to get a little tan, changes lake and ocean temperatures, and melts winter snow away.  The moon gives us light to see in the darkness, adjusts the tides of our great waters, and provides shade from the sun’s rays. Both are equally important.  Both shine each day, giving us what we need.

But they don’t shine at the same time.

You might be in a season where everything you are doing is “moonlight” acts of kindness.  You are doing things in secret without only a few knowing.  Making lunches, doing laundry, grocery shopping, sending encouraging texts, buying gifts, kissing a boo boo, changing a diaper, sending a card in the mail, picking up the neighbor’s garbage can, defending someone behind their back, giving back the incorrect change, letting a person go in front of you, paying for coffee of the person behind you.  The list goes on and on.  You are not getting much recognition for the things you are doing because they are quietly done.  And that’s okay!  You are shining in your own unique way.

The Bible says in Luke 8:17, “For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light.”  Your good deeds are noticed by God and it’s what makes him adore you even more!  You may not get credit or applause or a thank you on this planet but your heavenly Father sees it all.  You introverts out there better be rejoicing right now!  Humans may not see what you do but he definitely does.

Some of us are just louder with the things we do for others because that’s what we’re called to do.  Teachers, preachers, singers, musicians, leaders – these are people who usually do things that are seen by many.  And that’s okay, too.  We are all on the same team – we’re all trying to accomplish the same goals.  We have to obey and do the things we are asked by God to do.

Don’t ever feel like what you do isn’t enough or worse or better or not the same in God’s eyes.  He sees all – the good and the bad.  So keep shining.  You do you.  Your time is right now.  Do what you’re called to do.  Don’t play the comparison game.  All of our acts of kindness are equal when they are done with the right intentions.  Some things are done in secret or in the darkness.  Some things are done in the light and seen by many.  Everyone has to do their part.

Shine on in your own unique way!