He arrived at our home to clean the carpets. He was late, stressed and focussed on negativity. He came in swearing like a trooper, frustrated. Yet by the time he went to leave he was calm, happy. His parting comments to my husband were “I was in such a bad way when I came, but I feel so at peace now.” I know for sure that this change in demeanour had nothing to do with the ease of the work he accomplished at our house. It was jolly hard work – the carpets needing a serious clean (think kids here!). I also know that we have the ability to impact the atmosphere and therefore the people around us.
The atmosphere we hold in our hearts and therefore in our homes can influence those around us. As carriers of the peace of God we can release that peace into the environment around us. The fruits of the Spirit too should be evident around us – joy, kindness, love….As Christians we can decide whether to be a thermostat or a thermometer. A thermoster merely taking the temperature and conforming to its environment. A thermostat though transforms its environment. We can be influencers or merely reflect the environment that we engage. In this situation it was my husband’s attitude that made an impact on our carpet cleaner. Peace prevailed!
It’s what I think God means in the Bible when He says “you are the light of the world.” It’s what we should be like. Standing out. Shining light. Impacting the world around us. Transforming darkness into light. Making a difference and releasing the Kingdom of Heaven into the earth around us. We can be God’s grace and love in action to those around us.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.” (Matthew 5:14-15)
Peace. A welcoming atmosphere. A place where people leave feeling better than when they arrived. We can make a difference on the world around us.
Be the light.
Blue Skies & Lollipops 