You Don't Have to Be Bright

The mirror is the hardest place to stand when the sun comes up. You rehearse the smile.

You practice the tone. 'Good morning,' you say to the glass, terrified that if you speak too softly, the crack in your voice will give you away.

That the mask will slip and everyone will see the hollow ache underneath. But listen — the light does not need your performance.

It is already rising, not because you earned it, but because the Father is faithful to the dawn. You do not have to manufacture the day.

The true light that gives light to everyone is coming into the world right now, including your world. It shines on the tired face in the mirror.

It sees the effort it takes to just stand there. And it says: you are held.

The sun rises on the evil and the good, on the broken and the whole, without asking for a perfect greeting first. So walk out the door.

You don't have to be bright to carry the light. You just have to be there.