I am finishing a business trip to Las Vegas. Although I have been to Vegas several times, I love to walk on the strip and see the lights, sounds, gigantic digital billboards and hotel boards, the water displays and volcano eruptions and it awes me each time. One of my favorite places to walk is through Caesar’s shopping area because the ceiling is painted to look like a beautiful blue sky with clouds that appear as they are following you. The difference in the architecture with the hotels is incredible. And the themes are exciting, from ancient Greece to Circus, Circus, and Paris with an Eiffel tower replica and then there are roller coasters on top of buildings and a Gigantic Ferris Wheel! From STRICTLY an architectural perspective it is a wonder to see.
This morning, I am waking up on a quiet street that is just a few blocks over, without significant lights or big billboards, no loud music. No, my view this morning as the sun rises is much different, it is an incredible painting of a perfectly round sun rising over the mountains displaying its glory.
Which street do you prefer? The lights, sounds and hustle and bustle of the Strip or the more quiet, serene street with Palm trees and mountains in the background?
If I am honest, I will tell you I enJoy them both! And I find there is a season and a purpose for both streets in my life. Both can be energizing and both can be draining depending on the time and day. The important thing to discover, which street are you supposed to be traveling to “Shine” for Christ? Each of us has a purpose for our lives! I desire to be like the sun, it knows its purpose and fulfills that daily by simply RISING, proving light and warmth and displaying the beauty that God created it with.
In Philippians 2:12-18, Paul reminds us of God’s work in us and the result is us fulfilling God’s good purpose.
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[a] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Today, Shine on your street!
