Daily Scripture Reading: Psalm 146:5-10; Ruth 4:13-17; 2 Peter 3:11-18

“Let there be light”. Four little words hold phenomenal power. Our world and our lives are full of examples of light both a physical entity and a gift of service we provide or receive.

Have you ever walked into a dark unfamiliar room, or explored a campsite late at night with no hope of a light source? The fear can be overwhelming. The unknown can leave us cautious. (If you ever stepped on your kid’s Legos at 2:00 in the morning you know what I mean!)

I’m approaching my 39th birthday in the Spring, and in those years I have lived in twenty-two different homes. That’s twenty-two new environments to learn and adapt to, twenty-two bedrooms to customize, and a whole lot of unpacking! While each move held significance, moving to a new city or country brought its own set of challenges. I’m the first to admit that I don’t handle change very well. I honestly think that moving became more difficult to handle as I got older.

My last big move was here to the Jackson area just a little over seven years ago. I was prepared for the usual anxiety, but I had no idea how it would manifest itself this time. Our first three years here were spent attending another local church, and while everyone was friendly I never felt like I fit in. I had prayed so hard before we moved that God would put in a place where we would be surrounded by the types of relationships that my family experienced in churches as a child. I tried to make friends and be involved, but something just wasn’t right. After lots of prayer we decided to become a part of the Meadowbrook family.

I immediately felt like God had turned on a gigantic switch in our lives. We were invited into other families’ homes, and before I knew it I had a very close circle of friends. These people are the perfect example of providing the light of Christ’s love. (They’ve also shared flashlights on camping adventures, too!) Whether it’s holding my babies so I could eat a hot meal, “kidnapping” me for a night out away from my chaotic life, or sending a funny text during the day, I know that I have nothing to fear with the light that surrounds me here.

—Becky Blalock