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The other day, I was walking from south to north on the rooftop terrace of the residence where I live. In front of me, I saw a very clear shadow. Every step I took forward, my shadow moved with me. As I turned and walked east, the shadow was on my left. The sun, high above, outlined my body, complete with the shape of my hat. I thought how my shadow extends my influence — hopefully positive — beyond my immediate body.
Suddenly, the shadow disappeared. A cloud had passed in front of the sun. I was no longer able to show a strong outline of my body because something had come between me and the source of light.
As I thought about this physical experience, I realized that there was a spiritual application. It is my job to share the spiritual aspects of Jesus, but I can do so only when I have clear connection with Him.
Matthew 5:16 – Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (KJV)
As we live in this time of extra restrictions due to the current pandemic, it seems that clouds seem to move in more often.
As I write this, one of the residents here expressed to me how she was getting fed up. She is one of the most positive ladies I know, and she is a great encouragement to others. It is unnerving to hear of the clouds that she is experiencing.
We are challenged to keep moving forward even if the clouds are diminishing the strength of our shadows.
I am fortunate to live in a residence where the staff are always kind and encouraging.
When the pandemic first required us to be confined to our rooms last March, our meals were brought to our suites. When the rules were eased in the summer, we were allowed to go to the dining room for meals. However, with physical distancing required, we are seated one at a table. Since the tables seat four, there had always been pleasant conversation at mealtimes between fellow residents and incidental comments by the waiting staff.
Lately, I have noticed the increased frequency with which staff have conversed with residents sitting alone. The positive reactions led me to think that, perhaps unknowingly, the staff members have been extending the reach of their shadows.
2 Corinthians 4:6 – For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (KJV)
While clouds seem to be surrounding us more often in these pandemic days, it is even more important that we strive to keep expanding the influence of our shadows.
Prayer: Dear Father, help us to realize that You are always behind us and willing to share Your light through us. May we realize that as clouds increase around us, we have opportunities to share Your love with others. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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May it be so, Vince.
Thank you, Vincent, for sharing these encouraging words.
A positive way to look forward, Vincent. God bless and keep safe!
Thank you, Mr. Walter. Your perspective was very enlightening. God Bless you!
Amen, Vincent. Thank you so very much for this encouraging devotional. Blessings.
Thank you, Vince. Always appreciate your messages.
Blessings.
Dear Vincent
We always appreciate your encouraging devotionals. Thank you.
Just a note to let you know that I enjoy the devotionals that you contribute.
Keep it up!
Dear Mr. Walter,
Thank you for the creative illustration of using your shadow to tell of God’s never-ending love, and our call to love one another.
We can apply your spiritual application readily. How many times each of us have seen our shadow, delighting in it as young people while God saved this special insight for you to share with many. God bless you.
Dear V. Walter,
Thank you for your messages that keep coming. May God continue to gift you with more for Jesus’ sake.
With appreciation, and prayer for more from you.
What a perfect spiritual application of the shadow. I LOVE it. Thank you Vincent for keeping your shadow clear in spite of clouds. May your days be blessed, and may there be lots of people with whom to interact while we go through this second wave. God bless.
Dear Mr. Walter,
Just wanted to let you know that I always enjoy your devotionals. Your positive outlook, even while living under the extra restrictions of a care facility, is an inspiration.
Thank you.
Dear Vincent,
I always enjoy your reflections.
Thank you very much. Your shadow is a big one!
Today’s reflection reminded me that when a jeweller wants to show a gemstone he or she places it on a dark cloth so perhaps God’s light can shine more brightly through us in this pandemic, our dark background.
Blessings.
You send such inspirational devotions; I think your shadow extends to many during this time of uncertainty.
Keep them coming!
The telephone line is how I am trying to reach out and every so often a call arrives at just the right time. We get a hat message to call a friend.
Stay safe and keep writing.
Your faithful reader.
Good morning Vince,
Thank you for another of your special devotionals. Yes, it is a good feeling when we spread the light of Jesus with others around us. During this time of the pandemic there seems so much darkness happening in lives and so important for us to focus on the one who will bring us through this – our loving Lord!
Blessings as you continue to write such meaningful and thoughtful devotionals.
(B.C.)
Dear Vincent,
I loved the image that was created in my mind when you were examining your shadow on the rooftop. It sounds like a lovely residence you live in by your descriptions in your writings – lovely for the surroundings and lovely for the people there.
I have noticed that we seem to be having more cloudy days or watery sun days lately which adds to the worrying feelings created by the virus.
Your devotional awakens us to God’s light which shines in our hearts and can shine through to others if we remember to let it shine all around us as you noticed the staff doing. When we start off our day with remembering all the things we are grateful for, I think we build up a store of sunshine that beams God’s light. May you lengthen your shadow and continue to encourage us all to lengthen ours.
I love how you can see your faith in very simple things that are all around you. A gift from God. Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you for your devotionals. I always enjoy them. Please continue to write them, giving us the encouragement we often need.
Mr. Vincent Very well put again and I tell people not to lose hope God is with us always.
Good morning Vincent
Good devotional. Just like our shadow is with us (all the time) when the sun shines, so we are assured that God is with us, even during the dark days of our lives.
Thank you for writing.
Hi Vincent,
I could have written this email except we are only 2 to table which sits 6.
Now all of our activities have been suspended and we are only allowed 2 visitors a week in our rooms. (Gov’t orders).
I realize the necessity of it all, but while the intent is good it can get a bit hard to swallow.
However, it does underline the need we have for our Lord to encourage and carry us through the entire issue, and it also allows us to get to know more people who may be lonely and even frightened.
Thank you for this timely article.
Thank you. This reading is very appropriate for me and for today / tomorrow.
(ON)
Good evening Mr. Walter,
I have been really moved by your devotional titled ‘My Shadow’.
Every morning, I receive the Today’s Devotionals from a friend of mine who lives in Ghana, West Africa. For the past 5 years, he has not missed a day sharing the devotionals.
I read this particular devotional titled ‘My Shadow’ which really ministered to me and I was deeply moved to reach out to you to let you know how far your devotionals reach around the world. God richly bless you for offering yourself to God’s service.
Thank you.
(Maryland, USA)