And yet, and yet…

Ever have those flashes or shadows of purple light when you rub your eyes or have just seen a bright flash of light? I have them a lot, and the other day was curious to learn what they were called. Apparently they are called phosphenes and they are visual sensations that arise from the stimulation of your optic nerve. What a strange thing to see lights where there is no light. (Also interesting: the grayish background on which you see those phosphenes when your eyes are closed is called eigengrau….in total darkness your optic nerves produce this color which is not quite true black).

I often think about impact. What is left after our church runs an event like Trunk or Treat or Freedom Over Austin, or even our regular worship service. When the light fades, what afterglow is left?

For many that are a part of the church community, I think we take for granted the grace that God gives in the afterglow. We serve, we love, we connect, we give, we speak of Jesus, and we sometimes have trouble recognizing what impact looks like for others.

It may be that the actions of our lives serve as phosphenes against the darkness. Perhaps the flash of light that Jesus works through us leaves a shadow against the dark.

What do they see when they close their eyes?

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14