Stepping Stones: Thanks For Our Light Bulb!

27 August 2010



Transformational Tip

My mother taught me and my siblings the power and value of having a grateful heart. I am the second oldest of 14 children, all from the same mother and father. I have a warm childhood memory of a particular lesson taught by my mother.

I grew up in the time where you got free light bulbs each time you paid your electric bill. That really was a different time and mentality on customer relations. Many times we were not able to pay the bill, so we were always short on light bulbs. I remember the times (seems like most of the time) when we only had one light bulb for the entire house. During the early evening hours that bulb would burn in the kitchen…the center of all activity.

When bedtime came around we had a ritual; my mother would reach up, using her apron to shield the heat from her hand, unscrew that light bulb, bring it upstairs, and put it in the hallway. As she would reach up to get the bulb in the kitchen, all her little children (like chicks to the mother hen) would gather around her, grabbing onto her house dress and begin the shuffle to and up the stairs in the dark.

I remember vividly during each of those journeys, my mother teaching us how grateful we should be because we had a light bulb. She told us about all the children in the world that didn’t have a light bulb, and so that began our bed-time prayer. “Dear God, thank you for this light bulb.”

My mother had so many reasons to be sad, depressed…to complain. But she never complained. My siblings and I were so blessed to have a mother who believed deeply in God. She taught us all from an early age that the seeds of depression will not take root in a grateful heart.

Today, take account, that is, seriously sit down and write a list of the many blessings you have…big and small. It is easy for us to become complacent or start to take God’s care, grace, love, provision, and sacrifice for granted. Make the effort to put on Godly lenses allowing you to develop and maintain a grateful heart.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I am so spoiled. I have everything I need and yet I always want more. I seemed to always find something to complain about. Forgive me, Lord. Help me today and everyday to focus on all the blessings you have given me, and especially for the adversities that you lovingly use to grow me. Thank You for the shelter of my home, a bed to sleep in…for all the light bulbs in this house. I know that gratitude enables me to perceive You more closely and clearly and to rejoice in our love-relationship. I know, Father, that I will never be in control of all my life’s circumstances…but I relax in the fact that You are in control…and for that I am eternally grateful. I pray this and all prayers through our brightest Light bulb, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
Psalm 56:3
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Stepping Stones Devotional

Lighthouse Network's Stepping Stones Community
  • Stepping Stones: Loss Is Your Door to His Stability
    February 10, 2012

    Transformational Thought

    As young children, one thing we learn quickly is the reality of loss. Missing a meal, seeing others whose needs do get met, losing a mother’s attention to a newborn sibling, losing a beloved toy, losing at games, loss through divorce or job relocation. Loss of innocence through abuse or extreme life circumstances.

    Life is filled with many kinds of losses. But despite the cause, one thing is certain: all loss hurts, regardless of its size. We recover quickly from some losses … but others take months or even years to absorb and process. Certain losses are temporary while others are permanent.

    In today's economic environment in which businesses are closing and downsizing, many are facing the loss of their jobs. This kind of loss can be devastating to anyone, but especially to the breadwinner of a family. Even if it is a second job, it may represent a threat to survival, credibility, and stability for our spouse or kids.

    Job loss can produce many emotions, but fear is usually at the root of any uncomfortable response. Will I lose my home? My child is leaving for college this fall—will I have to break the news that it will be impossible? We have built up credit card debt trying to keep our heads above water … what now? Who will respect me? Will our marriage survive this pressure?

    These and many other concerns are very real and can seem extremely threatening. If we keep our eyes on the waves of hardship, we will sink into despair and hopelessness. This is a time when it is difficult … but imperative … to focus on Jesus, not on the problems. This is a time to remember that He, not our job, is our source of value, peace, security, comfort, redemption, and abundance.

    We may go through some real challenges. We may have to tighten our belts and make some sacrifices. These struggles are not easy, but with Jesus we have hope and a powerful peace. Our job may be gone and the economy may be falling apart, but God has not changed. Step back from the hardship and see your life from God’s perspective. It is because of his mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed.

    Today, dig into the areas where you struggle or have experienced some recent hardship. What is the fear at the bottom of the issue? Infuse Jesus’ teachings into your fear, let Him bring healing and comfort to your pain. Then re-evaluate your struggle through these new lenses. Remember, great and abundant is His stability and faithfulness in all things. Life is your decision, so choose well.

    Prayer
    My Father and Lord, This economy and my finances have left me feeling angry and fearful. Help me to regroup … to remember that You are here, that You love me and my family, and that You have a plan. Help me remember that this economy and my recent loss have not taken You by surprise … and that You have already made a way for me. Thank You that Your compassion never fails and that Your stability and faithfulness are abundant. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who provides my stability, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

    The Truth
    It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.
    Lamentations 3:22-23

    The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
    John 10:10
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