In woke up this morning in the crisp linens of a hotel right off the interstate in Mississippi. I snuck out of the room, not to disturb the boys, for a quick cup of coffee in the hotel lobby. Ahhh... I love my early mornings.  As I walked by the front doors of the hotel a man walked in and was greeted by the staff, "Good Morning, Sir! How are you today?" He responded with this: "Ma'am, I am blessed! I woke up this morning. God is good!" I couldn't help but smile. As I walked back to my room, I found myself thinking, "I wish I was that bold when it came to my faith." As a Christian we are told that we are the light of the world. We are to let our light shine out into the world, leading others to Christ. So, as I sat here enjoying my coffee I couldn't help but feel a little convicted. When was the last time I let my light shine? In the daily grind of motherhood and my current single mom life (not for much longer, yay!), am I being that beacon of light to others? Matthew 5:14-16 says, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine so before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." As I sit here, I have to admit that I have taken my shining lamp and put it under a basket. It's not that it's not glowing, if anything it has never shined brighter, but who can see it if I'm hiding it? In the midst of homeschooling and living in this transition period with family, I've unintentionally put away the very gifts that God has given me. I've been missing so many beautiful opportunities to shine for Christ simply because I'm too busy or "just not feelin'" it.

Each morning when I wake up and open my bible, I pray that God speaks to me through His Word. I find myself searching for the message he wants me to receive for that day. Some days, It's simply His peace knowing that He is there with me, through the craziness of life. Then other times, it's much for bold. It's the undeniable message that he doesn't want me to miss, like this morning. I find myself wondering who else out there is hiding their shining light under a basket? The people that passionately love God but because of the busyness of life forget to be that light on the hill. Yes it takes a little more effort, but what if we all shined our lights a little brighter? What if we encouraged others more, stood in the gap for those in need, and used the gifts that our Father in Heaven gave us to lead others to Christ? What a beautiful picture that would be.  I'm not saying I'm perfect. I'm a far cry from that, but today I was reminded of something so important. What's the point of being a Christian if we aren't living the life boldly, loving others and pointing them to the One that is the source of our everything? Today I want to change that.  I am blessed. I woke up this morning, with a new perspective. God IS good!