Did you ever notice how lights can be hidden? Have you ever seen how people can blow out lights so quickly? I have been thinking of this subject and I've come to the realization that this is just like a Christian's life. We have this incredible bright light shining for everyone to see and in one swoop someone comes and blows it out. And getting it back up again is like trying to light a match in the rain.
I think that getting your match started again can be hard. Picture this: You just get home from a youth group retreat. You are on a spiritual high! Everything in your life is going absolutely wonderfully. But when you get back into the swing of things, a co-worker or a class mate says something that totally lowers your self esteem. You're crushed. Who knows what they did, but it really really hurt you and you don't feel like going anywhere or doing anything. Then it's like suddenly someone blew out our light! They didn't add fuel to our fire, they threw water on it. You were in such a great mood, but someone says a simple thing like that.
I've been trying to think of ways to keep our light going. One way that I've thought of it this.. These people that you are temporarily here with on this earth share some interests with you. But when they do something like this, it really brings you down. Maybe sometime you could point this out to that person. Just say "hey, ya know that really brings my feelings down and it's kind of hurtful." or "I'd appreciate it if you would treat me better than that." I don't know.. Something like that! If you are good at letting things brush off your shoulders then by all means, let whatever people say just drift off of you!
Just make sure that a comment like said above doesn't get you down. I know it's hard, but God will get you through every little thing that you are going through. He says in Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
In all this, I'm trying to say that no matter what, keep your light shining strong and if someone tries to blow it out, don't let them! God will be with you on your journey. He'll never leave you, and that's a promise.
