Over the past couple of months, Jason and I have stayed in so many hotels, motels, and prophet’s chambers, I’ve lost count.  Yes, with the influx of missions conferences comes the need to travel to faraway places and stay in accommodations that are foreign and unfamiliar.

On the whole, “camping out” in hotels, motels, and prophet’s chambers isn’t a bad experience, especially since the hosting churches usually pay for the accommodations.  For me, the worst part (other than the packing and unpacking) is that every place is different.  The rooms aren’t the same.  The furniture isn’t the same.  The floor plan is not the same.  This means that every few days, I struggle to remember where I am and where the bathroom is in relation to the bed on which I’m currently sleeping.  Yes, people, the struggle is real!

One of the most recent hotels stands out in my mind as one of the best for a couple of reasons.  First off, it had the nicest shower of any hotel. . .and most homes.  It offered both pressure and prolonged heat—both of which are a plus in my book.  But this bedroom/bathroom combo also provided a feature that many would overlook and possibly even discount as frivolous, but oh, how I appreciated the night light in the bathroom.  This beautiful little tool allowed us to locate the bathroom in the middle of the night without having to leave a glaring light on elsewhere in the room or stumbling around in the darkness, praying for protection for our poor little toes which have a knack of wrapping around furniture.  It was perfect!

Isn’t it amazing what a difference a little light can make in an otherwise dark environment?  A tiny glimmer can help us find our way while offering hope and encouragement to the weary and confused.  Yes, light is a powerful resource.

Is it any wonder, then, Jesus called Himself the light of the world and then went on to proclaim that we—as Christians—should be the same?  We are called to shine in the darkness of this life.  To offer hope to the weary and confused.  To point the way to the lost and abandoned.  To be that glimmer making a difference in the lives of our fellow travelers.  We are the night light to those in unfamiliar territory.  And just as I appreciated the soft glow of that hotel nicety, so does the world (and even fellow believers) appreciate the light we offer.  Let’s not hide it.  After all, without it, someone may find themselves lost and alone, which is a fate far worse than stubbing your toe on the furniture while stumbling to the bathroom at night.

Friends, it’s great to be able to see the light.  Trust me, I know.  But let’s not settle for that.  Let’s be the light.  Others are counting on us!