Brightly

"Rise and shine!"
Aren't those words you'd picture a parent saying to their child as they gently wake them for the day? Sometimes these words are followed by an affectionately-given "sleepyhead".
It's interesting that these words are actually two commands and two actions:
1) get up
2) be radiant.
Perhaps we don't really consider the meaning of this and these are just words we have become accustomed to. But doesn't it make sense that a parent would want their child - whom they dearly love and who was made in their image, whom they are raising, disciplining, and nourishing, to go into the world and make an impact?

Arise, shine;

For your light has come!

And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.

For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,

And deep darkness the people;

But the Lord will arise over you,

And His glory will be seen upon you.

Isaiah 60:1-2

This idea of getting up and being radiant is the same command firmly given to us by God. The glory of the Lord is upon us! I can't even fully comprehend how incredible that is. He has loved us and continues to love us, while disciplining us and teaching us daily. He has shown us the Light, and we are to get moving and show His light to others. When we are caught up in the the Lord, His splendor practically seeps through our pores. There is so much darkness and pain in this world and we know the remedy. Why do we often just sit in the darkness? Are we content being spiritual "sleepyheads"? When we are truly in love with Christ, we won't want to try to hide Him; and when we are truly seeking Him, I don't think we could. Rise up and shine brightly!

"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine..."