Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (NASB)

As the candle was lit, the following was being recited by the students agog with the moment:

I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling.

Each student received her cap and a miniature likeness of the lamp that Florence Nightingale carried as she made her nightly rounds tending wounded soldiers during the Crimean War of 1853-1856. She became famous as "The Lady with the Lamp" and is recognized as the mother of modern nursing. I found myself standing tall as my cap was positioned, signifying my status as a student nurse ready for clinical duty. Thus began what was to be my forty-year career as a registered nurse.

Just as Florence made her way through darkened wards with her lighted lamp, bringing hope to her patients, we are admonished by the apostle Paul to be faithful witnesses.

Ephesians 5:8-10 – For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. (NIV)

Pleasing the Lord can be manifested by spreading peace, encouraging faith, loving others, and offering hope to those with whom we come in contact. With the psalmist, we can lead those around us who are in darkness to paths of light through the Word:

Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (NIV)

Prayer: Dear Lord, we pray that we will let our lights shine before others in such a way that those around us will see our good works and glorify You, our Father who is in heaven. In Jesus' holy name, we pray. Amen.

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