[This reflection by David Makanjuola was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 15/Nov/2026]
It was Fireworks night again and one of the sparklers (let’s call him Sparky) was having mixed feelings. He really looked forward to these occasions, but he didn’t quite like how for him, it was a sudden blast of light, fizzing and, yes, sparkling, and then just as quick as it started, it was over.
He wished sometimes, he could be like good old dependable LED. LED had this low, but constant glow that seemed to last forever and because of his steady glow, could be relied upon to guide people to where they needed to be.
Sparky sat quietly pondering this, which was unusual for him, and LED noticed that Sparky looked a bit subdued and wandered up to him and asked what the matter was.
Sparky was a bit embarrassed, but after a little while, opened up to LED about how he was feeling and how he wished he was more like LED.
LED smiled and said, “isn’t that funny? If only you knew how often I’ve wished I was more like you, Sparky”.
“Like me?” Sparky said in disbelief. “You must be joking! You are that dependable, oh so reliable light that calmly shows people where to go”.
“Yes”, LED said, “that’s right, but I have realised that without your amazing brightness that draws them in, there would be no one to need my steady light to guide them. Cheer up, Sparky”, LED said and wandered off.
Sparky thought a bit about this and realised that LED was right. They were both needed, one to let his light shine brightly to get people’s attention, and the other to be a constant light if they ever felt lost in the darkness.
Suddenly his phone buzzed. It was his alarm, telling him it was just a few minutes left before the fireworks started. Sparky stood up, and with a spring in his step, headed for the town square. He was determined to put on a show this evening and to let his light shine like never before.
So, as we decide to be beacons of light in our community, whether you identify more with Sparky or with LED, make sure that you let your light shine. As the hymn says:
Jesus bids us shine, with a pure, clear light,
Like a little candle, burning in the night.
In this world is darkness, So let us shine–
You in your small corner, and I in mine.
Susan Warner (1868)
Have a blessed week.
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Last Sunday’s reflection: Growing Older, Growing More Alive by Dennis Ginter
Contributed by David Makanjuola; © David Makanjuola