St Oswald's Magazine StOM 1604 | Page 4

We were born to make manifest The glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; It's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, Our presence automatically liberates others. What a lovely poem it is, and it meant a lot to me at the time when I was learning about my own character as well as God’s. Many of us have a light that we feel we can’t let shine. We hide our talents for many reasons but most of the reasons are to do with how others have conditioned us to behave.  Do not blow your own trumpet  Do not boast  Do not show off  Do not speak unless you know the answer etc! As your priest I am encouraging you all to let your light shine out. Be joyful of the talent no matter what it is small or large, concert pianist, artist, tea maker extraordinaire, poet, encourager smile giver, hug receiver … you get the idea. Have a look around you when you next go outside. The flowers are pushing up out of the dark ground, they will make our life colourful again, they will spread joy by just being what they are meant to be. So can each one of you and I wait to see you shine No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. Matthew 5:15 Blessings Lesley-ann StOM Page 4