You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16
I love trains. Ever since I was a child, the sound of a train—the horn, the rumble, the whistle—has made me pause and listen a little longer. If I get stopped at a railroad crossing, it’s not unlike me to turn off the car, roll down the windows, and simply take it in. And whenever I have the opportunity to ride a train, I turn into a kid again.
On a recent trip, I found myself thinking about the powerful headlight shining out from the engine and wondered what it must be like for the engineer—looking out the front window—pulling passenger cars, a dining car, and baggage behind. That beam of light cuts through the vast darkness ahead, illuminating only what is immediately in front of the train. Still, the track stretches farther than the light can reach, yet the train stays on it, rolling toward its destination.
It has to be a little unnerving to travel upward of 80 miles per hour, not fully knowing what lies ahead and trusting the track will get you there.
Trepidation matched with trust.
I have moments like that in life, too. Moments when I’m not entirely sure about what lies ahead. Trying to follow the GPS, even when I question whether I’m on the right road or not. Moments when I wonder if I’ll have the right words to share when I arrive at the next meeting. Days when I don’t know what to expect until I’m there.
Did I adequately prepare?
Am I equipped to make an impact where it’s most needed?
Will I be able to encourage, lead, and inspire with my best effort?
And yet, as I go—praying for direction and discernment—the Lord listens. The way forward may not be fully visible, but the light we need for the next stretch of track is given. Mile by mile, turn by turn, conversation by conversation, the Lord provides.
Trepidation turns to trust.
Maybe you remember the gospel lesson we heard on Baptism of the Lord Sunday from Matthew 3, when a voice from heaven spoke over Jesus: “This is my Son, the beloved, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). And now, in Matthew 5, Jesus speaks words of identity and purpose over his disciples:
“You are the light of the world.”
What an incredible calling to place on ordinary people—people still learning, still growing, still asking questions. Jesus says confidently, “You are the light…” Embrace this, he says to the disciples. Own it. Be it. And the same goes for us, too. We are invited not to hide what God has placed within us, but to shine—to live with courage, compassion, and faith so that others may see the goodness of God reflected in our lives.
The light we carry may feel small at times, especially when the road ahead seems dark. But God has a way of using even the smallest light to guide, to comfort, and to point the way forward. So as you move through your days—through uncertainty, through change, through the unknown—hear Jesus’ words again, spoken not only to the disciples, but to you:
Let your light shine.
Blessings, 
David
photo credit – David Blackman Amtrak Station – Savannah, GA