Lessons From a Mother's Heart to Her College-Bound Daughter: Be a Light on a Lampstand

We will be helping our youngest daughter, Grace, make the first-time move on campus in just a few days.  In all the excitement and chaos, how do I slow time to put into words she will hear, the things so important for her to know and understand?  Holy Spirit, come.  Fill my heart that I might convey these lessons that are monopolizing my worried heart; and permeate her heart to hear what You want her to hear. 

Matthew 5:14-16 says: “You are the light of the world.  A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house.  Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

I love these verses.  Dad and I used them in our wedding, and I have reflected on them as a perfect choice over the years.  You see, one of the greatest “boasts” I have is my fantastic marriage.  I laugh about it, really, because I can’t take credit for it!  It is all an unbelievable gift from God, and He has given us this incredible solid, loving, supportive marriage so we can “put it on a lampstand” and demonstrate to everyone who sees it what God can accomplish with two stubborn lumps of clay if they surrender to His will in their lives.  Do we deserve it? No!  Have we earned it?  No.  But it’s true we have something wonderful that those around us could envy, not because of anything we can own, but all thanks to an amazing God Who is so good and generous! 

You are moving away.  We have given you everything we possibly can: all our love, support, guidance, prayers, sacrifice, so that you, too, can be that light in your new little world.  It is something God asks of all of us.  Gifts are given not to be hoarded, but to be given away.  And you have so many wonderful gifts to share!  

Don’t be afraid to be who you are.  Don’t be insecure about the light of your Catholic faith or your moral conviction.   Lights are needed in our dark world like never before. When we live busy lives with constant requirements and deadlines, we can often develop tunnel vision, focusing on our own pursuits and agenda.  I know I do.  But it’s important to take the blinders off, as it were, to see life and people around us, those in need, people struggling and in need of friendship.  Show kindness. 

Jesus has no hands in this world now but our hands.  No physical voice but our voice meant to offer a kind word or encouragement.  Our ears are meant to listen to those who just need to feel like they are not alone in their struggles.  That’s living as a follower of Jesus.  I know this is something you will be very good at, so let your light shine, Gracie girl. 

Jesus, Giver of every good gift, we thank You!  Please pour Your amazing grace on our daughter, that she can be light to those in darkness, speak Your words to those in need of counsel, and show Your love in this dark world.  Keep her always safe, guard her heart and mind.  Let her walk in Your light.  Amen.

Hail, Mary…