"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel basket, but on a stand and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 5:14-16

Harrison, my six year old, is at the stage (and has been for several years) where if he likes a song, that's all he wants to listen to. On a recent trip we listened (again and again) to a rather loud and raucous version of the praise song, "Our God is an Awesome God." It took me back to a faith lesson he taught me a while back, when he was about four.

We were waiting in line at the hardware store and Harrison broke out in joyous song: "Our God is an awesome God. He reigns from heaven above . . ." in full voice, ala the "Skalleluia" CD where the Insyderz are shouting it out. Well to say the least, I was a bit taken aback and looked around, a little embarrassed, to see if anyone noticed (there were lots of smiles).

Later as I reflected on my embarrassed reaction, I wasn't sure what I was embarrassed about, his singing loudly in line or what he was singing about.

We often sing at the top of our lungs when we're in the truck. Most of my music is Christian. Why is it ok for us sing "Awesome God" at the top of our lungs when we are in the truck but not ok when strangers might be listening? Am I so ready to put my Light under a bushel basket? Am I afraid to let others know what I believe? Sometimes it takes the innocence of a child to show me how God would have me live my faith.

I could give you a million other examples of his simple straightforward approach to life and faith. When he hurts he cries - no worry about what people may think. Or the other day, when out of the blue he said, "When I die, I'll get to see Papa again." No pretense, just thinking about Papa and heaven.

With that, I can say without hesitation that I truly do hope that you come to know a four-year-old who can teach you the important things in life.

Prayer: Lord of Light, who shows us all the way, make the music you place in my heart spill from my lips for all to hear.