Mark 4:21 – And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? (KJV)

Living in Brockville, Ontario, Canada, our city lot is not as large as what we were used to in the country. My wife, however, planted fast-growing trees, shrubs, and a variety of flowers, so that our backyard was transformed into a beautiful, quiet place to relax, to meditate, to read the Scriptures, and to prepare sermons.

Suddenly all this changed. New neighbours arrived behind us and beside us. The silence, peace, and tranquility were replaced with a howling dog and two tropical birds that squawked incessantly for hours!

Thus, for refuge, I was driven to sit on my front porch, with a road and sidewalk immediately in front of the porch. What a blessing occurred! I got to know people across the street; I got to see people and dogs that I would never have seen in the backyard.

These people saw me reading the sports page of the Ottawa Citizen, The Upper Room, Our Daily Bread, and the Good Book itself. Some commented on this, and even asked what church I would be at on Sunday. Others gave a cheery reply and continued on their way. However, is it possible that some may have decided to go home and to try to grow spiritually, as they had observed me?

Is it possible that something positive could come by losing our quiet backyard?

Do we, as Christians, hide our candles in the back, and not have them out front for all to see?

Prayer: O Lord, may our example today lead someone to find the time to listen for Your voice, to read Your word, and to find strength through prayer. Amen.

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About the author:

William Hamblen <whamblen@cogeco.ca>
Brockville, Ontario, Canada
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