I spotted something shining in the Walmart parking lot. I’d parked as far away as possible (part of my getting healthy routine), and as I walked toward the Main Entrance, it caught my eye. The sun’s rays bounced off the tiny object, making it appear irresistible. Lustrous and iridescent, the anticipation of reaching it before someone else did overwhelmed me. Scanning the parking lot, I noticed all that surrounded it: a plug of tobacco, paper wrappers from candy, a scratched lottery ticket torn in the middle, and a McDonald’s extra value cup. Before spying the gleaming light, I hadn’t noticed all the trash accumulating around me.
As I came closer to the object that had my attention, I realized it was one of the newer one dollar coins. How something so small and insignificant could shine so brightly amazed me. Without the light, I probably would have overlooked it because I was focused on where I was going. Because of the the light, it stood out surrounded by the trash of the world.
I thought of the scriptures from Matthew 5:15-16 which tell us, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way…”
Jesus Christ calls us to be the light and reflect Him and His love for the world. We, like the coin in the parking lot, are called to attract others to Him and His goodness. Through compassion, hope, service, gentleness, patience, and understanding, Christians can be the city on the hill for others.
Finding the coin and seeing the light changed my day. It reminded me of who I am in Christ.
A little light can change everything.
