Shooting Stars

When our daughter was in junior high, we got up at 4 a.m. to observe a meteor shower. First we drove to a dark rural area where there were few artificial lights. We then reclined in deck chairs and let our eyes adjust. As I recall, we saw an average of one “shooting star” or meteoroid a minute for a half hour or so. I remember Megan got extra credit in her science class and I got to get up at 4 a.m.!

My mother told me once that a shooting star meant someone died. I researched shooting star myths and found that this was a myth common in Central Europe. This myth makes some sense. As you look up at all the glowing “bodies” in the sky suddenly, one burns bright and falls. This is much like our lives. We have but a short time to shine here on earth and then we are gone.

James says our life is as a mist (or vapor) that appears for a little while and then vanishes away (James 4:14). Compared to eternity, our time here becomes exceedingly brief. We need to consider the short time we have in this life to shine for at least two reasons – Where are we going after death, and what are we doing for the Kingdom of God while we are here?

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” (John 8:12) Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “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.”

Let’s consider how we will let our light shine even brighter this coming week.

For the elders, Dave Benner