John 1:5 – The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

These few words should hit like a two-byfour between the eyes. That “darkness” being the world of unbelievers just cannot understand why we follow Jesus not necessarily because they do not want to but because they have not the ability on their own. They are not willing to let go of the reins that they so solidly believe they have such a firm grip on. They live under the mammoth misconception that they are in full control of their surroundings and those events that accompany them. To think about this from a Christian perspective makes me want to weep. What a waste! There is so much joy and freedom of which they are totally unaware. No amount of cajoling or chastisement – i.e., beating them over the head with Scripture, wagging a finger in their faces, or holier than thou attitude – could ever turn them around. But we are meant to be sowers of seeds, so we must go about the business of planting love, humility and grace, all the while praying that while we may never see the fruits of our efforts something may grow after all. We plant and we shine, but the Lord waters and provides nutrients without which things can never grow. So while we work, let’s just keep that light beaming. Perhaps one soul in the darkness may see it and move in its direction.