On my dining room table sets a beautiful candle. I received it as a gift a few weeks ago. I don’t light it much for fear it will soon be used and gone.

Recently, I was sitting down after a particular trying day and lit it. I watched it over a period of time do it’s thing.

The candle is created flat and with a slight twist. When it burns through its center it leaves the sides to bend – each in its own direction. While the fire is consuming the wax, the remaining candle slowly contorts, making it look like a dancing figure, a little like an angel.

As I was watching my candle dance, and as the small flicker of light moved hardly noticeable down the center, I was reminded of surrender.

God has designed my life to be consumed by light, His Light. Many times I hold on tightly, don’t want to be lit, try to escape the heat. However, when the Fire starts doing its thing this Light in me can be a unique display of my Father’s heart. I display his joy.

How often do I resist bending over backwards for another’s cause, or struggle to be used up for God’s greater good? Dying to self is hard and does not come naturally to me.

I suppose a safe way to preserve my candle would be to never light it, to wonder what it might look like and continue to imagine all the ways it could bring me joy – or I could use it, knowing it will soon be gone.

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 

“Lord, help me to know that what I surrender to you, out of trust and love, will never be lost. Help me be the light, to be consumed by your ever-lasting kindness, goodness and joy.”