Let Your Light Shine (Even on a Monday)

Ah, Monday. The alarm goes off, and the to-do list stares you down.

But as we kick off another week of juggling schedules, solving problems, and trying not to lose our tempers in traffic, I want to offer a little perspective—and maybe a laugh or two—about the influence we carry with us every day.

There’s a well-loved scripture that’s been echoing in my mind:

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.”
—Matthew 5:14

It’s easy to think of light as this big, bold thing—spotlights, flashlights, full-blown sunshine. But light doesn’t have to be dramatic to make a difference. Even a small candle can soften a dark room. The same goes for you.

This week, you don’t have to move mountains or solve world hunger to be a light. You just have to show up—with love, with kindness, with a little humor, and maybe some breath mints (because let’s be real, sometimes that’s part of shining bright too).

Let’s Talk About Donkeys and Light

I love the parables Jesus told because they bring deep truths in simple, relatable ways. And while this isn’t a direct parable, I always think of the story in Numbers 22—Balaam and his donkey. Balaam is heading off to do something questionable, and God sends an angel to stand in his path. Balaam can’t see it, but his donkey sure can—and refuses to keep going. After Balaam gets frustrated and starts hitting the poor thing, the donkey finally talks back.

Yes, talks.

If God can use a talking donkey to redirect someone (and get a message across), He can definitely use you and me—flawed, tired, multitasking humans—to shine a little light this week.

Sometimes being an example doesn’t look like giving a powerful sermon or writing a bestseller. Sometimes it’s holding your tongue when someone’s rude. Sometimes it’s putting your phone down and really listening to your teenager. Sometimes it’s bringing an extra snack for someone who forgot theirs… or forgiving someone who doesn’t even realize they hurt you.

The Light We Carry

Your example might be the reason someone else chooses to keep trying.

We don’t always get to see the ripple effect of our actions. But rest assured, when you offer kindness, when you choose patience, when you forgive quickly or serve quietly—you’re setting an example that goes far beyond what you see.

And spoiler alert: People are watching. Your kids, your coworkers, your neighbors, even your dog (who is clearly judging you for that third cookie). But more importantly, God is watching too—and cheering you on.

So here’s your Monday motivation:

• Smile at the grumpy lady at the post office.
• Give yourself grace when you forget the thing you swore you’d remember.
• Speak love. Offer help. Laugh at yourself often.
• Pray like it matters—because it does.
• Shine, even if all you’ve got today is a flicker.

You were never meant to do this perfectly. You were just meant to do it faithfully.

So this week, be the reason someone believes in goodness again. Let your light shine—not the perfect, Pinterest light, but the real, warm, faithful kind that comes from walking with Christ and choosing love when it’s hard.

And if it all goes sideways by Tuesday? That’s okay. Reset, re-pray, and remember: even the donkey had a moment.

You’ve got this. And I’m cheering for you. 💛