lamps in the daylight

When I enter a room, I instinctively hone to lamps and make the rounds turning them on. Even in the daylight, I crave lamps. Not harsh overhead lights and definitely not florescent or LED lights. Just glowing, soft, cheerful lamps. Their tone warming texture, glowing life.Lately, when I reach to turn one on, it's like I'm watching from a distance pausing to take note. My thoughts are stilled and channeled. Appreciating their warmth. Wondering why the draw towards lamps is so distinct...even in the daylight.Yet even as I reach, I dare to understand that I am created to be that lamp in the daylight. To push back shadows and gloom even within the light.But it seems so uncourageous... Unspiritual... Aren't we supposed to be primarily concerned with shining our light in the deepest darkness so that those who don't know the light and love of Christ will come to know Him? But I cannot escape the reality that although I have been in very dark places and shared the Gospel with people who have come to see the light of Christ, I much more often find myself sharing with people who already know the Lord. Shining a light into their shadows, bringing warmth to their gray, glowing life where they are weary. It even happens with strangers. Feeling that heart fluttering nudge, I ask a question to hopefully speak life...and they already know Him. Yet are living in a shadow He doesn't have for His children.A lamp in the daylight. Simultaneously I've felt a constant breathing from my Lord of joy to come. A season of surrender birthing renewed hope now whispers of joy. Joy like I've never known before. Joy welling up replacing a sadness nagging. A sadness gently replaced as I surrender, allow Him to renew my hope, and speak this light of joy and happiness.Yes, that's what one Hebrew word for light means! The light of joy and happiness. Just as dew is lifegiving on flowers, brightly dancing and refreshing with nourishment. Now these simultaneous presses entwine and rise in a beautiful dance in my heart. This joy He speaks of, which is already mine in Christ Jesus, will shine more fully in my life. So I can be a lamp pushing back shadows with the Light of Life more consistently. Instead of clouding others hearts with shadows (which I too often have done...just one time speaking a word and seeing a cloud pass over someone is once too often).This compulsion for light in the day is a quest for joy to grow. Reaching for a lamp and grasping for joy.Won't you join me? As life giving dew on flowers, a light glistening joy brightly. Welling up from within, not at all plastered on the outside. From the only One who is The Light, The source for joy. The One who pushes back shadows with the light of His glory. The One glowing Life. THE Lamp in the darkest of nights and the daylight.