Weekend Talk: Candle in the corner
A single bulb on the wall at the back of our house provides light to brighten that corner of the house at night.
Whenever I need to check the back at night, I find the single bulb immensely useful.
If this bulb were human, would it have complained that it was left alone to perform such a lonely duty?
“Candles” at church
In our church, I’ve noticed a few of such “bulbs” or “candles” who perform duties regularly in the corner of their space without complaining.
They go to the church early, mop the floor, clean the washrooms, dust the chairs, fetch water to fill the containers, and then change their clothes for the service.
I’ve never heard them complain about their menial work or ask to be relieved of their services.
There are also the children’s service teachers.
I’ve noticed how they bend backwards to ensure that the kids comport themselves to be taught.
They too are candles that shine brightly in their corners.
You’ve probably noticed such “candles” in your church or neighbourhood, workplace, and in your family.
They are unsung heroes. By their good deeds and silent services, they light their lamps to brighten the corner where they are.
They have put their candles on a stand so that those who enter the house may see the light.
That is how Jesus said we should handle our lamps—
“No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light” (Luke 8:16).
When we light our lamps, the people we serve benefit from our services.
We also applaud those who, through pain and suffering, still radiate sweet fragrance of kindness, peace and cheerfulness.
You visit them in the hospital to console them, yet they end up encouraging you!
They are true bearers of light in the dark.
Different lights
A lighthouse situated on a hill overlooking the ocean directs ships to the shore.
That is great service, because without the lighthouse, many ships would miss the shore or sail into rocky beaches.
But it is not every light that is so consequential like the lighthouse.
The lone bulb at the corner of the house may pale into insignificance in comparison to the huge street light, but both provide their useful services where they are needed.
Likewise, workers who keep the church tidy and those who care for the children are playing roles different from the minister’s, but both services are needed and accepted by God as worship unto him.
That is why King David distinguishes between the Word of God as light for our path and a lamp unto our feet.
Both ways, we need the illumination from God’s Word as we walk through this life.
Whether we are a torchlight, streetlight, or a tiny tongue of candlelight, the Lord wants us to brighten our corner so people around us would benefit from our service to God and to humanity:
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
The little kindness we spread around to combat cruelty, the humility we exhibit to suppress pride, the love we show to overcome hatred, and the peace we radiate in times of conflict are all examples of light we shine in places of darkness in our little corners.
Princess Diana’s candle
Exactly 28 years ago this month, the world bade farewell to a special “candle”.
At Princess Diana’s funeral in September 1997, musician Elton John sang in her honour a rendition of his song, “Candle in the wind,” saying—
“Goodbye, England's rose / May you ever grow in our hearts / You were the grace that placed itself / Where lives were torn apart / You whispered to those in pain / All our words cannot express / The joy you brought us through the years.”
The media around the world reported that the funeral was a widely televised public event.
Almost three decades later, she is still remembered around the world for pioneering charity and humanitarian efforts.
It is said that Princess Diana used her global spotlight to campaign for the marginalised in society and was genuinely kind and humble towards everyday people.
She “was like a candle in the wind,” Elton John sang, “never fading with the sunset.”
Similar lofty words can be said of thousands of well-known world personalities who changed the world with their people-loving lifestyles.
But whether in the limelight or obscured in the background, may our light so shine before those we serve, that they may give praise to God in Whose light we derive our light.
