This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
- 1 John 1:5-7
I’ve been stretched out on the cool floor boards near the back window again, tail thumping slow, watching light spill across the yard like a golden bowl tipped over by the morning sun.
Dogs notice light, you know.
We chase it in bright yards, nap in it on warm floors, and tuck our noses away when shadows creep in.
Maybe that’s why the apostle John’s words make my ears perk up every time my master reads them out loud.
John says God is light — and in Him there is no darkness at all.
That’s the kind of truth even a sleepy hound can understand.
Darkness hides things.
Light shows them.
Darkness makes me growl at the fence.
Light makes me wag.
I’ve watched a lot of folks shine over the years.
I’ve seen some on TV wearing shiny Olympic medals that glimmer brighter than my water bowl at noon.
I’ve seen crowds cheer, cameras flash, and national anthems play while people stood tall on shiny podiums.
And I’ll admit — it looked impressive, even to a dog who mostly cares about chasing squirrels.
But I’ve also seen my people shine in much quieter ways:
Kneeling by a hospital bed
Carrying groceries for a neighbor
Praying in a whisper before dinner
Or simply telling the truth when lying would have been easier.
No medals.
No cameras.
Just steady light in a dark world.
John says if we walk in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.
From where I lie, that looks like this:
Staying close to the Master
Following His steps
And letting His light spill over into everyday living.
Not perfect steps — just faithful ones.
You don’t need a gold medal to shine.
You don’t need a stadium or a spotlight.
You just need to walk where the Light walks.
A wagging tail will do.
A kind word will do.
A gentle heart will do.
I’ve chased my share of reflections in puddles and glass doors, barking at shadows that weren’t real.
But the light of Jesus?
That’s no illusion.
That’s warmth, truth, and a path I’m happy to trot beside.
So tonight, when the sun dips low and stars flicker like tiny lanterns in the sky, I’ll curl up knowing this:
Whether you’re on a world stage or just sitting on a porch, you can shine — not because you’re brilliant, but because He is.
Shine for all the world to see…
Keep the Faith… Carpe Diem
