I Want to be a Lite-Brite and Break Darkness

The Lite-Brite toy came out in the 60s and is still considered one of the top 100 greatest toys ever. For memories' sake I bought my daughter another one a couple of years ago. A Lite-Brite consists of a light box with a blank sheet of black paper placed on the panel over the light. When inserting small, clear colored, plastic pegs that fit into the panel, darkness is broken and light shines through and is illuminated. Let there be LIGHT!

As a child, I was very afraid of the dark which was fueled by innocently going into haunted houses at the Texas State Fair. Subsequently, I imagined all kinds of ghastly creatures creeping into my bedroom in the dark after that. My mom came to my aid by placing a night light in my room. Now I could distinguish what was around me. But, beyond those fears, there were emotional times of darkness that lurked around me when I was fearful that my dad might have another seizure that could lead to his passing. I was a young girl that needed a bright light in my life.

I have friends who are living in darkness because of many emotional concerns and fears. We all need to hear these words today: "The darkness is afraid of OUR light and when our light shines, darkness will run in fear."

I heard Australian speaker, Christine Caine, tell this story: "When my daughter, Sophia, was very young, we were shopping at a Walmart. We love America for your Walmarts! Sophie wanted a flashlight and had the perfect one picked out. Walmart’s fluorescent lighting doesn’t make for the best conditions to test out a flashlight. She was so excited to go home and try out her new little gadget. She said, “Come on, Mum! Let’s go find some darkness.” I was so excited about the insight of my little girl at that moment. ‘Sophia, what you just said shows more spiritual maturity than most Christians ever reach. We will absolutely go find some darkness!’”

That "enlightening" story speaks volumes about us and our lights. Often, we are so introspective about our fears, anxieties, and the darkness around us that we fail to realize we don't have to stay in that darkness. We can literally combat that darkness by turning on THE LIGHT within us, and when we do that, we will be LIGHT-BRIGHTS that shine so brightly that the darkness just can't stay. And, the best part? Not only will the darkness be dispelled in our lives, but it will light up the world around us. I’m no longer afraid of the dark because I have Christ’s bright light within me. Let's go find some darkness and turn our LIGHTS on brightly and see the change we'll make for ourselves and those around us today!

"For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light." Ephesians 5:8

"Let EVERYTHING That Has Breath Praise the Lord!" Psalm 150:6

No wonder animals of every kind inhabit this earth. God's "human beings" choirs of praise are just not enough to offer adequate praise. Surely God embedded in each of his creatures -- the ability to be PRAISERS.

Though I’m in a sweet spot of isolation to be head over heels, wrapped all up in audacious time with the Lord, I’m still able to observe out my windows the daily lives being lived out by my two youngest grandsons. Knowing Nana is not to be disturbed during these 4 weeks of solitude, it was too much for Brennan to bear when he came to my door and said, “Nana, I just have to get a hug.” And younger brother, Bryson, wanted me to see his new buddies that were added to the mix of animals at the Wuerch’s animal kingdom. Now two new miniature donkeys live here too. This sweet boy has a natural affinity to God’s creatures. His tender heart is open to caring and providing for one and all.....daily.

Early in the morning, I ventured out for a morning walk and I noticed that the goats were on one side of the fence and the gate was closed to the other side which housed the new donkeys. We know that first day is important to integrate into their new culture, void of “issues” that could arise from possessive goats, who, by the way, predate all the animals here and know this is their domain. At any given time of the day, you’ll see folks at the outside fence feeding the goats and letting their little children pet them. It really does remind you of Animal Kingdom.

But the concern was for naught because a day later, the gates were opened and the goats and donkeys were living together in one accord – each sharing their grassy delicacies.

I could easily segue here to talk about coming together as one to live life respecting each others’ differences and celebrating each others commonalities, but instead, I will use this post as a reminder that God created us AND creatures for His divine purposes. The most of which is to offer Him praise and honor. Before there were humans, there were living breathing creatures to praise the Lord. And then he created man, and God saw that it was good because now all living beings could join in anthems of praise to their creator. And, if those creatures don’t do their jobs well of praising…..He even declared that the rocks would cry out in praise to Him. (Luke 19:40)

Maybe we shouldn’t discredit the insect, the sparrow, the walrus or the rhino. They are here because there just isn’t enough praise being offered up to our God. Perhaps the next time we see a flock of geese or a herd of cattle, we just might imagine them as choirs of praise to our God who is worthy of all praise. "Praise the Lord, you from the earth, you creatures of the sea and all you depths, living creatures and livestock, insects and flying birds..." Psalm 148:7,10

God put animals on the planet and gave them a mandate as well. Part of the human calling is to help them fulfill this mandate in a way that enables them to reach their full potential in creation. They not only enrich our lives, they point to the creator of all things. Animals are not only worthy of our respect. They deserve it.

"Some Pharisees from the crowd told him, 'Teacher, get your disciples under control!' But He said, 'If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise.'" (Luke 19:37-40). Stones not needed -- Animal Kingdom and Human Kingdom are shouting our praises!